Israel's standing among Americans is declining, even among emerging Republican figures, largely because President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have not clearly explained the goals of the ongoing war with Iran, Senate candidate John Deaton stated.

Deaton, a moderate Republican, has criticized Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren for directing more criticism at Israel than at Iran and its proxies. He has also urged closer review of US aid to Israel and Ukraine, insisting Washington must weigh both the amount of support and the returns it gains. Deaton has accused Netanyahu of using antisemitism claims to deflect valid criticism, while recognizing the serious rise of antisemitism in the United States.

Deaton stressed the need to preserve voter trust. He said he would decline donations from AIPAC to show that his backing of Israel rests on principle rather than funding. He made these remarks after facing questions at July 4 events about his Israel position and campaign sources, queries that did not arise during the same events in 2024.

Trust depends on clear communication, which likely drives his critique of how Netanyahu and Trump have managed the Iran threat.

"I place much of the blame for the Iran war situation on poor communication from the Trump administration," Deaton said. "Every president has declared that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon because it would use one. Yet questions remain about how the June 2025 strikes set Iran back decades. Was the assessment of success based on faulty intelligence? If so, that can happen."

Mixed Signals on Iran's Nuclear Advances

Conflicting reports have emerged about Iran's nuclear progress. Former intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard stated in March that Iran showed no signs of restoring enrichment sites after the 12 Day War, yet Trump justified further strikes by citing an immediate threat from Tehran.

Without explaining the need for renewed action, whether due to limited results from earlier strikes or fresh dangers, public opposition to the war and higher costs from the Hormuz closure have shifted blame toward Israel, Deaton said. The current "trust me" stance has worsened the problem.

"The administration has failed to communicate effectively," he noted. "Americans reject vague assurances amid rising living costs and want clear facts. Most do not grasp how the Strait of Hormuz affects global oil supplies or their own expenses. Inconsistent statements, such as claims that the US needs little oil from the region, suggest to many that involvement is unnecessary."

Trump's reported remark to Netanyahu that "everybody hates Israel because of this" indicated he was assigning blame for the operation's shortcomings, Deaton suggested.

Deaton argued that momentum from the quick, casualty-free Venezuela mission to detain Maduro encouraged Trump to pursue action against Iran in February, expecting similar acclaim for a free Iran.

"Both Trump and Netanyahu must address serious intelligence shortcomings," Deaton continued. "Did they overlook the risk of Hormuz closure? It appears decisions were made with hopes of historic success, leaving Israel and the world less secure."

After seven years in the Marines, Deaton concluded that the conflict has strengthened Iran's position and narrowed US options. He warned that Iran's potential annual revenue from Hormuz transit fees and claims of control over the waterway would likely not have arisen without the war.

The Conflict Has Exposed US Thinking to Tehran

More concerning, Deaton said, is that Tehran now recognizes America's limited patience and preference for quick outcomes.

"Iran has learned that US tolerance for prolonged conflict fades fast," he observed. "Voters at recent parades blamed Republicans for the war and demanded explanations that were never provided."

Deaton expressed confidence in the US ability to seize Kharg Island and secure the strait but questioned how long public support would last for such a deployment.

To justify ground forces, Trump would need to detail why stationing troops near Iranian missiles serves US interests over an extended period.

Despite growing divisions, Deaton said Israel could rebuild trust if Netanyahu leaves office.

"When prominent figures label Netanyahu a terrorist or accuse him of genocide, those views spread to voters," he warned. "Over time this could lead to questions about the US alliance with Israel. The real damage may still lie ahead."

"It is clear that Iran holds a stronger position now, and both Netanyahu and Trump must account for it," Deaton concluded.