Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Does Israel Have An Effective Military Option To Stop Iran's Nuclear Program?

Israeli F-16 fighter. Getting ready to visit Iran?

Dan Arbell, CNN: Does Israel have a military option vs. Iran nuclear program?

(CNN)The Iran nuclear negotiations in Lausanne, Switzerland, reportedly have made substantive progress, inching closer toward a provisional agreement between the P5+1 and Iran. While the talks continued to unfold this week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu restated his concern about an agreement with Iran, vowing "to continue to act against any threat."

If an agreement is reached, the international spotlight will turn to Israel, in anticipation of its possible reaction. Israeli Defense Minister Moshe "Bogy" Yaalon stated that a deal is "a tragedy for the whole world." The question is, however, what can Israel really do once a deal is signed? In recent days, notable conservatives in the United States have attacked President Barack Obama's handling of the negotiations with Iran, arguing that a bad deal will force Israel's hand, leaving it with no choice but to attack Iranian targets.

But is this a realistic conclusion?


WNU Editor: Apparently any military option will only be partially effective, and weighed against the consequences .... not at all appetizing. My prediction on what Israel will do .... they will be pursuing options for stricter controls that are outlined in this WSJ post .... Israel Readies Next Steps to Counter Any Iran Nuclear Deal (Wall Street Journal).

Update: U.S. Secretary of Defense Carter is still brandishing the military option .... Carter Says Iran Nuclear Deal Would Not Limit US Military Options (Military.com) .... more here.

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