[8note]

both secretary of state and the majority leader in congress have gone to the press giving a story of Israel forcing the US into it.

maybe theyre lying; both were very nervous while telling the tale

[watwut]

So, what was the actual threat supposed to be about? Israel will stop defend USA? Common.

But to your other point, they both lie often and confidently. If they are nerveus, they probably just thought they look like idiots (regardless of whether they are saying the truth).