Israelis urge U.S. to stop Iran's nuke goals

The Washington Times ^ | 9/30/2005 | David R. Sands

[Dark Skies]

The United States and its allies must act to stop Iran's nuclear programs -- by force if necessary -- because conventional diplomacy will not work, three senior Israeli lawmakers from across the political spectrum warned yesterday. As a last resort, they said, Israel itself would act unilaterally to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear arms. Iran will not be deterred "by anything short of a threat of force," said Arieh Eldad, a member of Israel's right-wing National Union Party, part of a delegation of Knesset members visiting Washington this week. "They won't be stopped unless they are convinced their programs will be destroyed if they continue," he said. Yuval Steinitz, chairman of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, said the best hope was for the United States and other major powers to make it clear to Iranian leaders now there was "no chance they will ever see the fruits of a nuclear program." "Threats of sanctions and isolation alone will not do it," said Mr. Steinitz. Yosef Lapid, head of the centrist opposition Shinui Party in the Knesset, added that Israel "will not live under the threat of an Iranian nuclear bomb."

[Dark Skies]

Here it comes!

[Semper Paratus]

Looks like Isreal has concluded that the buck has been passed to them.

[Dark Skies]

And it sounds like they mean business.

"We feel we are obliged to warn our friends that Israel should not be pushed into a situation where we see no other solution but to act unilaterally" against Iran...

I wonder who, other than the U.S., Israel counts as friends.

[Realism]

Britain, France and Germany have it all under control, politically speaking.

[softwarecreator]

Here it comes!

Yep.  It's getting to the point where it's become obvious that the UN has once again failed to resolve a crisis situation with their "diplomacy".  Israel has the most to lose if Iran gets nukes.  The mullahs must be stopped or Israel & Iran will start lobbing nukes at each other.

[verity]

I was privileged to have an Israeli Brigade Commander as a fellow classmate in 1977.

If he was representative of Israeli determination and the nature of that determination still exists today, I cannot fault your conclusion.

[Dark Skies]

"Avoiding speaking the truth does not mean you can then avoid facing the consequences of those facts," he said.

Israel knows it is the prime target of Iran and Ahmedinejad. I would rather the U.S. take action, but I am beginning to have my doubts as to our political will (at least based on what the administration is saying).

On the other hand, Iraq might have been a first step toward moving against Iran. With a regime change in Iran, Iraq would have a much better chance of success and Israel would be able to breathe for a while. But with the Revolutionary guard firmly in the grasp of Ahmedinejad, I don't see an internal rebellion succeeding without external military action.

[cynicom]

They should do it themselves, stop dragging the US deeper into the ME.

[wmfights]

I'm sorry to say we don't have the will. There are too many country club PUBS around Bush now. Iraq is tough right now and everyone is nervous, congress won't control spending, border control is a joke and a huge SCOTUS nominee battle is about to be fought.

As in the past Israel stands alone.

[Constantine XIII]

One day, the Iranians will wake up and say:

"Some one set us up the bomb!"

[claudiustg]

---They should do it themselves, stop dragging the US deeper into the ME.---

You don't think we have an interest in the Iranians developing nuclear weapons?

[taildragger]

This will be tricky.

With our forces in the theater, will they let them pass or ask them to turn away.

I have my own pet theory on how Israel will pull it off, but as they Jim Rob says, loose lips.... (no I am not a military or intelligence type, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last Night...)

Then again, what if Israel allied with another force for a 2 pronged attack, India perhaps?

[Dark Skies]

I have my own pet theory on how Israel will pull it off

Come on now...let us hear it. I'm sure Iran has considered all the angles.

[section9]

Israel will not act alone. This interview and visit did not happen by accident. You'll notice the studied lack of comment from the Department of State and the White House?

They know what the IDF knows, if not more.

When it happens, it will be a joint operation, probably involving massive air assets from the 509th Bomb Wing, the IDF, and American tactical air. There are a lot of targets that need to be struck at once and in a single day. It will have to be a surprise attack.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Dark Skies]

Israel will not act alone.

I agree...the groundwork is being laid for a powerful and comprehensive strike that will probably not only take out the nuke capability but open Iran up to an overturn of the current government.

[BushisTheMan]

Israel should take care of it themselves.

[Convert from ECUSA]

Ping!

[SunkenCiv]

Iran won't be pressured either by China or Russia. Obviously this is up to the US, and of course, our many allies in western Europe.

[Wiz]

Why tell US and not do it on their own? Israel with one of the world's best Air Force, and it should be a piece of cake to do it on their own even without the help of US. America won't intervene, and will wave hands as they pass over Iraq.