Opinion  Ron Ben-Yishai
Bibi prepares to strike Iran?
Ron Ben-Yishai
Published: 05.05.12, 13:08
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1. seems a sound analysis, but
E. G. Marsch ,   Nahariya, Israel   (05.05.12)
can we wait till September to hit Iran? If you listen to Barak--and I take him seriously--it makes it sound as if we may have less time than that. Would Bibi order a strike before the elections? If so, it would manifest great confidence both in the success of the strike and in the public's support for him; but it would be understandable if he saw it as a pretty big political risk.
2. Oh dear Lord
Steve from Raleigh   (05.05.12)
Let it go already. The leftward press has been wrong for each and every of the last 15,000 consecutive days they said Israel was going to attack Iran. Now you're just sounding stupid.
3. the elections
Fad Egypt   (05.05.12)
well i believe that netanyahu and his defeatist minister barak should stop talking about iran , and if they are going to attack it so they must just do it without talking and issuing threats the elections are not due to the iranian issue there are many obstacles which threaten the government stability the budget , the tal law and the evacuation of the outposts migron and beit el , these issues can lead to problems between shas and lieberman especially regarding the tal law , i dont want elections because netanyahu will form a less right wing government after that elections with lapid and may be kadima anyway i believe that israel is not going to attack iran before getting the US approval especially if the leaders are Bibi and Barak shalom
4. There is no"fight against Tehran's nuclear program"!
tom ,   tel aviv   (05.05.12)
There's empty babbling on one side and the "Program" progressing on the other side of the equation.
5. MENĀ“$ LAW$=DEATH AND TAXE$!!!
me   (05.05.12)
6. Don't trust this defeatist DM
Rachel ,   US   (05.05.12)
7. Playing games
esnuffnstl ,   USA   (05.05.12)
If what the author says is correct (and I believe it is) Israelis need to ask themselves why they are going to such great lengths to manipulate the US. The US has cast dozens of UNSC vetoes to protect Israel, has shared its most advanced military technology with Israel, and given Israel tens of billions of dollars (as well as giving billions to Israel's neighbors so they play nice with Israel.) No other nation has come close to this level of support for Israel. When talking about Iran, you therefor would think Israelis would be more concerned with the response of the Europeans. Or perhaps Russia and China. But they don't even get a mention. Who does the author focus on? The US. The nation most backing Israel in the fight against Iran. Is it wise to play games with your best (and some say only) ally? What kind of nation does this sort of thing? Do Israelis really think Americans aren't going to forget this? The odds favor Obama getting reelected. Do you think he'll forget this? The US has Iran in the crosshairs. Sanctions are hurting, the Iranian leadership is divided, and the Iranian people unhappy. The plan is working and sooner (rather than later) a solution will be found that dismantles Iran's nuclear program. It will be the result of years and years of complicated (and costly) diplomatic work on the part of the US. Unless, that is, Israel attacks. Then all hell could break loose and Israel might truly find itself facing an "existential threat." Primarily because it has lost the support of its greatest ally.
8. Destroy Iran's nukes NOW! Don't wait for elections.
Chaim ,   Israel   (05.05.12)
We know Iran's Mad Mullahs are racing headlong to build nuclear weapons. This poses a grave existential danger to Israel. So why wait for Israeli elections? Destroy Iran's nukes NOW!
9. @ 7 you are right, however
sheik rattle & roll ,   USA   (05.05.12)
you are dealing with Israeli's who believe they are entitled to US military and diplomatic protection. They also feel that the US is required to attack Iran or come to Israel's aid during an Iranian counter attack. On top of that they will do anything to prevent Obama from getting re-elected just because he is a BLACK MAN that want's to put America first.
10. What do you think about a state who makes it's own
Edithann ,   USA   (05.05.12)
population vulnerable to annihilation by inciting and instigation an attack upon itself? Even if Israel attacks Iran first, in any capacity...do you think Israel will be able to continue within it's walls unscathed? Are Israeli's willing to take those chances? Bibi is betting that Israel will remain unscathed...are Israeli's willing to bet on it too?? TATA
11. SRR # 9
Eaglebeak ,   Left Coast, USA   (05.05.12)
How convenient to play the race card. Obama would be America's worst president if he were white. What does color have to do with it? Obama doesn't want to put America first, he want's to put it down.
12. Israel doe not have the capability to attach Iran.
Persian CAT   (05.05.12)
Israel would have attacked Iran several times by now if it could. Instead it's inept politicians and clueless commentators keep barking and speculating about it in a bid to pull the wool over the hapless Israelis eyes to let them keep ruling them. How many times did you hear the Israeli officials utter a word about attacking Syria's "nuclear site"?! Nada, heech, sefr, zero times...
13. To #7:
Jake Stone ,   USA   (05.05.12)
That's just it: Netanyahu knows he can't trust Obama if he gets re-elected. Mark my words, as Obama says in his stupid book, Audacity of Hope, he will always side with his Muslim brothers when it really matters; in his next four years, if he wins again, you'll will see his true-colors. Netanyahu is playing that little stable boy masterfully; the little punk, community organizer wanted to play games, at the beginning, with Bibi (the master politician; Obama's getting schooled), but he bit-off more than he can chew. Now, to your assertion that Israel really needs the United States; I don't think so! Yes, the U.S., over the years, has helped Israel with their military hardware, but Israel, however, has always fought their own battles (since 1948); and, against all odds...have won every engagement. Again, I say: Israel doesn't need the U.S., because God fights on their side; which will soon be evident when Israel, once more, serves-up another severe beating to the adjacent Muslim nations. Sheer Muslim numbers don't matter; God will even the playing field. I could quote scripture to prove my point, but I won't! Just keep your eyes on the Middle East; things are going to get really interesting. As in 1967, the world, once again, will be stunned by the actions of the Israeli army (for it's a tool in the hands of God). God bless, Israel!
14. Cruel Aftermath
Mike ,   Haifa   (05.05.12)
Israel should strike Iran and then prepare itself for the diplomatic onslaught which thr international community will bear on the Jewish State. US even under Romney will not hesitate to pressure Israel. Under Obama things will be even worse. The American pressure will be even more intense if the US enters the war in order to "shield Israel" which in fact will be to protect its own military bases in the Gulf region. But despite all the pressure and even possible sanctions Israel will endure and coms out stronger especially in its sense of justice and cause.
15. #12 CAT, is it Israelis that are hapless or Iranians?
Noodles ,   Coney Island   (05.05.12)
Why are your leaders sweating and losing sleep over the fateful day when the attack will come from nowhere? Even they will admit that Israel does indeed have the capability to do quite a bit of damage. Do you presume to know more than they do?
16. To num13
Dan ,   Ny   (05.05.12)
Are you talking about the god of the holocaust? Good luck, pal
17. #8. You could've written the same rubbish about Iraq.
Chaim ,   Israel   (05.05.12)
#7. You could've written the exact same rubbish prior to Israel's successful attacks against Iraqi and Syrian nukes. Israel is fully capable of destroying Iran's nukes. Moreover, the majority of Americans would strongly welcome such glorious and necessary action.
18. To 9,10 & 12--Repent!!!
Z.Z. Coltrane ,   USA   (05.05.12)
I can tell you all are a bunch of godless heathens'! I'm not worried about Israel...God will take care of His own. However, if I were you (thank, God...I'm not), I'd be worried for my own safety. Genesis 12:3 states your outcome; oh, what a fearful thing it is to be on the wrong side, especially, as it relates to the Muslims in general. God bless, Israel...and, may he destroy all those who come against His chosen people--Israel!
19. Blind Cat # 12
Watchman on the wall ,   Jerusalem   (05.05.12)
You have a short memory and shortly your country will be in ruins from the IAF pounding. Did you forget the Iraq and Syrian nuclear sites were both destroyed by Isreal - the difference is that Israel DID NOT tell anyone they were going to wipe these sites off the face of the earth. It is rather interesting your Holocaust denier leader is calling for Israel to be wiped off the map. Do you remember when Pharoah called for the 1st born of Israel's children to be killed. The G-d of Isreal turned this command against Egypt and the 1st born of the Egyptian children died. The same thing is about to happen, as Iran will have all these nuclear sites wiped off the map in a reversal of commands. Iran is cursed along with Damascus and any other natgion who curses Israel. Gen. 12:3
20. THE DANGEROU$ EGO!!!!!!!
me   (05.05.12)
it is always more dangerous a powerful rich than a poor because the rich can make genocides and massacres and let in misery many peoples and the poor can hurt only one,no more
21. Elections may benefit the center not the right
Avramele   (05.05.12)
These are life changing decisions that will impact Israel the region and the world. I'm not privy to all the intelligence but it is scary that the trigger is controlled by two macho cowboys. As for the government to come, a Likud, kadima, lapid coalition is most likely as the demands of the Haredim and the settler parties are too onerous for the majority of the electorate and at least a third to half of Likud. An October surprise may be more in line with a peace initiative undertaken while Obama must be squarely in Israel's corner.
22. #19
Gabriel ,   Leiden, Netherlands   (05.05.12)
I know what the the Pharaoh intended, but let me remind to you a certain event in history a little more reason, when an Austrian guy with a mustache and some serious issues called for Israel to be killed, and although he ultimately failed, he was not totally unsuccesful either. Quite a lot of my family members lost their life back then, and the G-d of Israel was taking a break. Don't trust in God, trust Tzahal.
23. # 9 & 22...if you want to believe in a crazy
Edithann ,   USA   (05.05.12)
in a crazy genocidal God..be my guest... What on earth makes you think that way? If your God plays favorites and wants to see his other 'children' annihilate the other..then it's obvious you're in deep trouble...as your God is nuts also... TATA
24. Gabriel # 22
Eaglebeak ,   Left Coast, USA   (05.05.12)
Hitler never dreamed that the horrible things he did would lead to the re-birth of Israel as a nation. When the Jews have suffered in the past it was usually because God was trying to wake them up and bring them closer to him. I can't pretend to understand why the holocaust happened but look at where you are now. If things would have been different you still could be scattered all over the world without a country to call your own. I think you should at least consider putting your trust in God. Attitude can either work for you or against you.
25. Our mass graves are ready (End)
Nora Tel Aviv   (05.06.12)
26. LOOKS MORE LIKE PLANNING
MAHMOOD ,   LONDON-UK   (05.05.12)
A golf tournament by Netanyahu.
27. Bibi wants to attack
Nadya ,   California, U.S.   (05.06.12)
I call this manipulation of the American President and the American people by Bibi blackmail. I realize many Israeli's think Americans are stupid and will be pulled into war, but I guarantee it will backfire. Maybe not right away but as soon as they get wind of the actual cost of this endeavor it will all be over and Israel will be picking up the pieces.
28. Excellent analysis
Josh ,   Atlanta   (05.06.12)
Spot on. Just don't be fooled by Obama. He'll do what he needs to do in order to get reelected, just don't let him throw you under the bus, because you know it's coming if that happens. Sharpen your mind, prepare yourself, and do not trust anything this man says.
29. #12
Harold ,   USA   (05.06.12)
You are right. If Israel has the capability she would attacked Iran long time ago. By the George W. Bush was fooled by Sharon to attack and invade Iraq but Obama is no GWB.
30. Nothing else, but
Konrad ,   Warsaw, Poland   (05.06.12)
hysterical war-mongering.
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