Bolton stresses support for Israel’s self-defense

US national security adviser John Bolton, In a short news conference with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, reiterated Sunday night that the US withdrawal from Syria is predicated on making sure ISIS is defeated and those who “fought with us against ISIS” are safe. Turning to Israel, Bolton said: “A nations ability to defend itself is the ultimate sovereignty. Any nation inside or outside the region who doubts US support for Israel’s ability to defend itself had better think again.”

Bolton told reporters earlier that the US could leave forces at the Al-Tanf base in southeastern Syria even after troops are pulled out of northern Syria. The US enclave in Al-Tanf could serve as a buffer,  he said, preventing Iran from expanding its presence in southern Syria.