Former counselor to Jared Kushner.June 23, 2025 – Washington, D.C.In a pointed response to recent inquiries, Eliyahu Elliott Okkon—former senior advisor to Jared Kushner and a seasoned strategist on U.S.-Israel relations—accused Steve Bannon of attempting to manipulate American foreign policy for domestic political gain.Speaking through his spokesperson, Uzochukwu Godswill, Okkon claimed that Bannon’s opposition to a proposed U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities was not based on diplomatic restraint, but rather on a deliberate strategy to fracture the Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections.
“This wasn’t about avoiding war—it was about inciting division,” Okkon stated. “Bannon understood that such a move could deepen rifts within the GOP, weaken pro-Trump candidates, and dilute the MAGA bloc. He tried to use foreign policy as a crowbar.
”Okkon, who has advised multiple international figures across the political spectrum, emphasized that Bannon’s influence was ultimately negligible.
“Since his departure from the White House, Bannon has had almost no impact on President Trump’s national security decisions.
The Iran file, in particular, was shaped by strategic realities—not by tactical sabotage.”
He warned against the growing trend of politicizing foreign affairs, especially in a region as volatile as the Middle East.
“America cannot afford to turn its global commitments into tools of internal political warfare.
When foreign policy becomes a pawn in personal rivalries, the consequences reach far beyond Washington.”Godswill added that Okkon’s remarks were delivered through political and diplomatic channels earlier this week and have since drawn quiet attention from senior figures in both Washington and Jerusalem.
