Posted on 11/10/2006 6:46:49 AM PST by edpc
Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh suggested in comments published Friday that Israel might be forced to launch a military strike against Iran's nuclear program - the clearest statement yet of this possibility from a high-ranking Israeli official.
"I am not advocating an Israeli pre-emptive military action against Iran and I am aware of its possible repercussions," Sneh told The Jerusalem Post daily. "I consider it a last resort. But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort," he said.
Sneh's tough talk is the boldest to date by a high-ranking Israeli official. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and other leaders frequently discuss the Iranian threat in grave terms, but stop short of discussing military action against Tehran.
The former Israel Defense Forces brigadier general said that Israel cannot afford "living under a dark cloud of fear from a leader committed to its destruction." Under such a threat, he said, "most Israelis would prefer not to live here; most Jews would prefer not to come here with their families; and Israelis who can live abroad will."
"People are not enthusiastic about being scorched," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at haaretz.com ...
Something tells me it won't be us.
Yes, and I think that's a shame. We have the troops and materials on either side of them. This "over the horizon" redeployment crap being discussed about Iraq handicaps us.
They see the United States running off and leaving them holding the bag.
I believe sooner or later the Iranians would have forced this on Israel anyway. The democrats just speeded it up tuesday.
It's not about winning you know. It's about how you place the blame. Chairman Nancy has our backs.
Unless Israel uses nukes they don't have the ability to hit Iran in a manner which would matter.
Ditto and Bwarney has our fronts.....
Iran's Busher nuclear power plant as being completed by the Russians, and is due to receive nuclear fuel in early 2007 - that IMO will be a trigger point for Israel to act.
Covert ops. One way ticket I would think.
Israel can't even get at Iran unless we let them.
They were prepared for the possibility of having a one-way trip when they lauched the airstrike on Iraq in 81. I watched a documentary on the History Channel about it. Incredible bravery and innovation with the use of their new toys.
Democratic solution: Let them nuke Israel, and if anybody is left, let them sue Iran in the International Court.
Back to the subject at hand, it would certainly appear that it will once again be up to Israel to defend itself.
The U.S. has proven time and again that we cannot be counted on, alas.
Anyway, the bomb I truly fear has already been planted here and in Europe, the islamic population bomb.
I don't know. They've managed to pull off some incredible operations before. After last summer's conflict, I have less faith in their leadership to have the will than the IDF's ability to pull it off.
The Israelis lack the military assets to conduct anything more than a symbolic strike. They have one disel-powered missile sub on station in the Arabian Sea and IRBMs based in Israel. They lack the refuelling capability to conduct fixed-wing sorties.
No argument there. A modern day twist on Rome's solution at the conclusion of the Punic wars seems appropriate for Iran. Without their oil, they have nothing to offer.
Let them eat sand?
I understand the complicated logistics of this issue. However, Iran has made their intentions clear. When boxed in, I would never underestimate the Israelis. Like the man said, "But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort." I'd beware of someone with that mindset.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.