Retired Lt. Col. Tony Shaffer warned on Newsmax Saturday that Israel may escalate regional tensions by relying on military actions instead of diplomacy amid growing friction between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking on “The Count,” Shaffer said Trump’s objectives center on reestablishing stability through diplomatic avenues, particularly by reviving the Abraham Accords and advancing normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. He said that on Oct. 7, 2023 — the day Hamas attacked Israel — an economic accord with Saudi Arabia was set for signing.

“The best thing that could happen to the Middle East is the Shia step back and allow for the Sunni to essentially establish relationships with the Israelis and others,” Shaffer said, identifying Iran as the primary Shia power causing regional complications.

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