Opinion  Yoaz Hendel
The US-Israel divide
Yoaz Hendel
Published: 15.02.15, 00:40
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14 Talkbacks for this article
1. It is far from certain that Israel won't attack Iran.
Bob k ,   orlando fl usa   (02.15.15)
SInce Iran is the greatest threat to Israel how can Mr. Hendl or anyone be certain that Israel won't attack. Sharon did not because of US troops in Iraq who Bush thought rightly could and would be attacked by Iran. Olmert faced the same situation but it is is pretty clear that attacking Iran is the last thing Obama wants to do so he probably won't. But Israel can and very well, under Netantyahu, might - what is there to lose?
2. another god-given right
Michael ,   Haifa   (02.15.15)
Most Israelis live under the illusion that America is "obliged" to us and don't understand that obligation is mutual. They give and give and give and we take and take and take. What exactly do we give in return when requested to do so ? If we do not give in return, then why take all the time ?
3. Bomb Iran, Then What Happens?
Jersey Jew ,   New Jersey, USA   (02.15.15)
Incredible how so many, particularly "Top Commenters", repeatedly frame stopping Iran as our USA's job, with no casual responsibility by ME actors including Israel, and that the only alternatives are either a "bad deal" or bombing Iran. Plus, always stating that a nuclear Iran causes a ME nuclear race, ignoring Israel's illegally obtained, nuclear infrastructure (land, sea, air) that even long ago President Kennedy loudly fought. What happens after our USA bombs Iran?!?? Even Israeli "experts" agree: a global economic winter with these "experts" claiming this tradeoff worth the action. Not in US, Israeli, World, and Judaic interests/values. Not smart by light-years ...
4. Its a spat between Obama and Israel
Chaim ,   Israel   (02.15.15)
This spat is between a very unpopular U.S. President and Israel. A president who is neither pro-America or pro-Israel.
5. There's no US-Israel divide. There's an Israel-Obama divide
Scott ,   Ramat Gan   (02.15.15)
Last month 75 senators led by Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) sent a letter to Secretary of State John Kerry expressing deep concern regarding the PA's steps to bypass Israel in the peace process. The letter supported a suspension of aid to the PA while the State Department reviews the Palestinian’s actions at the U.N. Security Council and the International Criminal Court
6. IRAQ could still become nuclear
Zechariah   (02.15.15)
Saddam Hussein may have postponed the nuclear programme but given an opening would resume .Iran in the decades to come will be a nuclear threshold country the later the better so the JEWS CAN PREPARE A survivability .
7. Israel has NEVER had a military option against Iran
spyguy ,   seattle usa   (02.15.15)
The stark reality that no one in Israel seems capable of facing is Israel NEVER had a military option against Iran and the USA is not much better. For over 35 years, Iran has been extremely paranoid about the USA and/or Israel attacking Iran (because both have done just that in the past). As a result, Iran has invested huge amounts of money on building a multi-layer defense system that will make any attack extremely painful for the attacker. Iran's nuclear program is very protected and many Israelis or Americans would die trying to even scratch it. Israelis can hurl all the racist insults they want against Obama, but that does NOT change the REALITY that Iran can ONLY be negotiated with and Iran will retain the ability to make nuclear material. Bibi can NOT win and is just making things worse for Israel with his mindless rants. Iran is a done deal - live with it.
8. Someone that became President of the USA finds it "hard" to
(02.15.15)
understand Islam? Oh really? Can he, then count to 12....?
9. The 'unbreakable bond' exists no longer !
Roland ,   london England   (02.15.15)
10. Funny
Sheik rattle & roll ,   Usa   (02.15.15)
Convince Obama to change his mind. No way. America knows not to fall in that military trap. Our economy is somewhat stable, oil prices are dropping and jobs are being created. That's what Americans want, we don"t give a rats a$$ about the Middle East. Our biggest mistake was going to war in Iraq, our only accomplishment there was overthrowing Saddam and leaving a divided broken land in its place. The same will happen in Afghanistan at a cost of over one trillion dollars. Blame Bush not Obama. Israel can fight Iran all it wants, we are broke. Most Americans can care less what happens outside of its borders and most Israeli's can care less about what happens in America unless it effects them directly.
11. #7 Spywimp. Israel has strong military option vs. Iran
Chaim ,   Israel   (02.16.15)
Iran is well aware Israel has a strong military option against it. So is America. So is everyone with a smattering of knowledge and intelligence.
12. #1 asks "what is there to lose?"
spyguy ,   seattle usa   (02.16.15)
Sure Israel can attack Iran, but what would Israel look like the next day? How many Israelis would die or leave Israel during the war that would follow an attack? Do Israelis really think that Iranians would just quake in fear from an Israeli attack? In reality, Iran has a very powerful military and it would devastate the Israeli infrastructure causing the Israeli economy to fail. So the REALISTIC answer to the question is Israel would very probably lose everything if it attacks Iran. As Sun Tzu pointed out almost 3000 years ago, the quickest way to LOSE is to vastly misunderstand your opponent because of your own extreme hubris. Attack Iran at your own peril.
13. there is no living in "splendid isolation", sheik
Cameron ,   USA   (02.16.15)
The Israelis can't keep the ME or wider world at arms length any more than we can.
14. spyguy #12, just remember...
Jake   (02.17.15)
the fate of Imad Mughniyeh, Jihad Mughniyeh, the six Iranian revolutionary guards, including a general, the six Hizbullah operatives... Israel does not need to attack Iran directly to cut off the hand that is raised against it. Sun Tzu won't get you out of that reality.
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