Israel ‘Will Make Own Decision’ on Attacking Iran
With New IAEA Talks Set to Begin, Israel Ratchets Up Threats
The odds of an Israeli attack on Iran seem to be growing all the time, with Israeli Army Chief Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz rejecting the efforts by US and British officials to delay such an attack, saying Israel will “make our own decision” on when to attack Iran.
Israel’s Defense Ministry and military leadership appear to be pushing hard for an attack, with US officials saying that Defense Minister Ehud Barak is taking an ever more hawkish tone on Iran, even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “sitting on the fence” about the idea.
US officials are seeing an Israeli attack on Iran as increasingly inevitable, saying that they are just waiting long enough to be able to say that sanctions have “failed” in convincing Iran to abandon their civilian nuclear program.
Meanwhile, efforts by the Iranian government to jump-start negotiations have mostly failed, with the US and EU still refusing to set a debate for the P5+1 talks that they’ve been saying were coming “soon.” The IAEA is in Iran this week for a new round of talks, but since the last visit by the inspection team ended without inspectors attempting to visit a single site, it seems unlikely those will provide any sort of breakthrough.
Threats from Israel and claims that an attack is imminent are nothing new. Indeed, both the US and Israel have been threatening to attack Iran on the basis of their nuclear program since the mid-1980s.
This time seems more serious, however, and even Iran is reacting that way, saying they are preparing a “worst-case scenario” in case of such an attack.
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David Grayling
February 19th, 2012 at 9:42 pm
Israel must not be allowed to make this unilateral decision. This tiny nation of religious fanatics must not pull the world into a nuclear Armageddon.
The Nations of the World must unite and put such pressure on Israel that it becomes too frightened of international retribution, of sanctions, of BDS, of opprobrium the likes of which have never been seen.
STOP ISRAEL DESTROYING OUR WORLD!
Mark Thomason
February 19th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
What is to be decided in Israel is not whether Israel will attack. Israel has no illusions that it has the power to fight this war. The one and only point under discussion is whether Israel can and will quite deliberately spark off a war which the US must then fight.
Mojo
February 19th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Then US and EU should leave Israel alone and let it do what it wants by not giving all that money and bombs to this selfish, self-centered, warmongers, apartheid, a falsified democracy, a total anti democratic, and everything else in between system which sucking the blood out of the people in west and in Palestinians for last 60 years, this used and abused child of the west is to blame for all peoples problem in Middle East and around the world, but hey give him another match and let it start the Armageddon, they don't need any help, Murdock the publisher of lies and deception have enough money and can buy bombs for them to start the end of this world and his empire too. It is time for US and EU to look into their used and abused child eyes and demand for it to obey by the rules or Israel will not get any pocket nor the weekly money or bombs and free war plains anymore.
David Grayling
February 19th, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Israel must not be allowed to make this unilateral decision. This tiny nation of religious fanatics must not pull the world into a nuclear Armageddon.
victory
February 19th, 2012 at 10:11 pm
hey now our tax dollars paid for those jets…
juvanya
February 20th, 2012 at 1:34 am
"Israel should be allowed to do whatever it wants to defend itself." — libertarian Ron Paul
"Israel should not be allowed to defend itself as it deems necessary." — fascist internationalist David Grayling
juvanya
February 20th, 2012 at 1:35 am
You have your facts wrong, but yes Israel should be left alone and not given "aid".
juvanya
February 20th, 2012 at 1:38 am
Anyone who thinks this will escalate into some huge war is a complete moron. Iran has absolutely no capability to fight back against Israel. In addition, Hezbollah is occupied by the Syrian civil war and increasing scrutiny in Lebanon. Hamas is now based out of Qatar rather than Iran.
What will happen, if anything…this may just be a bluff, is that Israel will bomb Iran by flying over Saudi (and perhaps Iraqi) airspace. Iran will bitch and moan and go to the UN. The UN will condemn Israel and then everyone will shut up and go back to their kebabs and falafel. Just like Syria in 2007. Just like Iraq in 1981.
james
February 20th, 2012 at 2:19 am
On which planet do you live juvanya? Tell me the last war Israel fought a regular army and won. I will tell you the last war they fought some very lightly armed militia and lost.
Make no mistake, Israel will NOT start anything as they are only good at attacking unarmed starving civilians.
The more they bark the more they collect hatred around the world, not only in the ME. As many people suggested, let this dog catch the car he is chasing.
Andy
February 20th, 2012 at 2:28 am
Aye, sure, Juvanya. You're very definite on what will happen if Israel attacks Iran.
You do know that both China, and Pakistan, have declared that they will react if Iran is attacked – there's also the possibility that Russia, too, will react – that's three nuclear powers.
Iran has had well over a decade of Israeli threats of an attack to prepare its defences. I don't think that it will be a cakewalk, as you seem to believe.
On top of that, both Israeli, and US officials have stated that Iran doesn't have a nuclear weapon programme. The present day buzz word is now "capability" – they are saying that, in about two, to three years, Iran will, if its civilian nuclear power programme continues, that it will have the capability to build a nuclear weapon.
If, as is now admitted, Iran does not have a nuclear weapon programme, then, why all the fuss, all the sanctions? Sounds to be like all the BS that was spread to try and justify the Iraqi war!
tomofsnj
February 20th, 2012 at 4:43 am
It is interesting to watch people who get so much of their money act like they are not dependent on others for everything. Now is the time to reevaluate the relationship with Israel and how we handle part time citizens as the dual citizens act. Israel presently bars dual citizens from some of their military service. I suspect they believe that they cannot be trusted.
“We can have no “50-50″ allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all.” Theodore Roosevelt (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919)
“You cannot become Americans if you think of yourselves in groups. America does not consist of groups. A man who thinks of himself as belonging to a particular national group in America has not become an American.” Woodrow T. Wilson (American 28th President of the United States 1856-1924)
tomofsnj
February 20th, 2012 at 4:48 am
or Iran bombs Saudi and the price of gasoline goes to $12 a gallon and the USA unemployment goes to official 30 percent which is really 50 percent. Europe has no gas and no one visits europe because of the danger so Europe goes bad to the dark ages.
Israel pulled it usual sneak attack in Iraq and Syria. Quick attack and back to its own borders. Iran has been preparing for an attack.
What do you think will happen if Israel loses a big part of its air force. or Iran bombs Georgia for helping the attack?
What is clear is Israel needs to be control. It was a mistake to allow them to get so much military equipments. It is still a religion and armed religions have always been a problem.
tomofsnj
February 20th, 2012 at 4:52 am
You missed the part of Ron Paul that they should defend itself on its own dime. The ability to be a problem is our congress and senate provide so much military equipment as to allow Israel to be a problem. Our official position is we will attack Iran if they respond to an Israel attack. That is pretty close to someone attacking the US Navy for sinking Japanese shipping during wwii. Our position is no nation has a right to do anything to defend against Israel aggression. I will mention that Israel has never been attacked except in 1973 which was the direct result of the israel war of aggress of 1967
tomofsnj
February 20th, 2012 at 4:57 am
In what way is he wrong. The official position of the USA is if Israel attack then Iran is not allow to attack Israel. If you want Israel to be left alone then you support that the USA will not attack Iran if Israel attack. I support that position and I am glad that your feeling that the greedy have gone too far.
Personally I feel any aid to Israel should be taken from the dual citizens in the USA who actually live in the USA but get government support for Israel and their local communities. Few understand how much money is double dipped by the phony dual citizens. YOu are either an American or you are not. If not then live in Israel. My ancestors came from Ireland who lost 5,000,000 in the famine but I know of no Irish demanding that the USA send money to Ireland based on something that happened in Europe.
spider
February 20th, 2012 at 5:10 am
The IDF, instead of shooting fish in a barrel, shoot and kill Arab women and children in a barrel when they invade Gaza, making them think they are some type of invincible wariors. However, when not shooting women, children, and old men, twice they have had their butts kicked by Hezbollah when facing real soldiers. So when they go into Iran and things are looking bleak the United States will be forced to spend more American blood and treasure to pull Israeli coals out of the fire. And especially in an election there will be no party that will put American interests first by staying out of it. No, it will be Israeli interests enforced by the power of AIPAC that will have the candidates falling over themselves in their race to send more American men and women to die for Israel.
jan burton
February 20th, 2012 at 5:41 am
Let Israel attack Iran – and make ot clear that they're on their own.
PEACE EVER AFTER
February 20th, 2012 at 5:59 am
The only way to bring Israel to it's knees and to start behaving in a civilized manner is by a total embargo of trading with this spoiled brat . Money is the only thing these people understand.
Of course this is only wishful thinking as most western leaders are simply whores for their Zionist pimps.
persnipoles
February 20th, 2012 at 6:13 am
Don't know where either 'allowed to' or 'defend itself' comes from. They will do what they damn well please. And if that were (e.g.) Gassing Kurds, they'd call that 'defending itself.'
NavyVietnamWarVet
February 20th, 2012 at 6:41 am
IF Israel wants to commit suicide – let them – and may the rest of the wordl stand by.
Maybe Iran needs to launch a 'preemptive' attack on Israel?
Maybe the rest of the world would be at peace if it launched an attack on the religious fanatics in Israel.
Andrewp111
February 20th, 2012 at 6:58 am
Israel needs to stop dilly dallying and just do it. Launch a preemptive thermonuclear strike on Iran, and make sure you finish the job the first time. About 100 megaton sized bombs should be sufficient to put Iran down forever.
Andrewp111
February 20th, 2012 at 6:59 am
Ballistic missiles cannot be shot down by anything Iran has. It is completely irrational to attack Iran with jets. Missiles with nuclear warheads are the only logical option.
John Ellis
February 20th, 2012 at 7:01 am
FACTS — OR JUST THEORY
My thought is, if the rich ruling class of the Western world, the 25% most wealthy, if they had control over Israel that was absolute, the following would be facts most absolute:
(1) Everything Israel has done since its creation in 1948 has enhanced the wealth of the Western rich ruling class.
(2) All the terrorism that Israel has inflicted upon the Middle-East has enhanced the military power and dominion of the Western rich ruling class.
(3) Any decision to bomb Iran, be it by Israel or Empire USA, for an absolute this could be made only by the Western rich ruling class.
But of course this is ridiculous, for have you ever heard of Western mainstream media even suggesting such a thing?
peter vojta
February 20th, 2012 at 7:23 am
Two regimes, two countries connected by ongoing "state sponsored terrorism",, two REAL AXIS of EVIL" on this planet – US and Israel may course WW3. Their open aggression and twisted way explaning their aggressions and killing is now clear to even normaly to politics ignorant people on this planet. We deal here with "Visiable satanic organization on the planet" – international Zionism. Translated : "Brutal colonial atheistic ideology to conquer, steal and destroy other peoples riches and lives"… clearly demonstrated by etnocratic, apartheid regime of Israel.
Supporting Russia, China and Iran means protecting World Peace.
Exposing lies and terrorist activities incl. false flags of those regimes is revolutionary act and must for everybody who does not favour idea living in "Orwell World or Palestine territories."
Let us say NO! to new Holocausts, wars and suffering!!!! Let us work on destroing WMD especially posesed by by arogant or fanatic regimes like US and Israel.
peter vojta
February 20th, 2012 at 7:33 am
Two regimes, two countries connected by ongoing "state sponsored terrorism",, two REAL AXIS of EVIL" on this planet – US and Israel may course WW3. Their open aggression and twisted way explaning their aggressions and killing is now clear to even normaly to politics ignorant people on this planet. We deal here with "Visiable satanic organization on the planet" – international Zionism. Translated : "Brutal colonial atheistic ideology to conquer, steal and destroy other peoples riches and lives"… clearly demonstrated by etnocratic, apartheid regime of Israel.
James
February 20th, 2012 at 7:43 am
…Israel should attack Iran, and watch its pariah state crumble into the abyss. A good beat down, and a lesson that it will never forget is what Israel needs now since it respects no law, no moral compass, or human life. Only AIPAC, and the bought US government will shed a tear once Tel Aviv is burning to the ground..
tomofsnj
February 20th, 2012 at 8:07 am
ballistic missiles cannot carry any real load so if it is ballistic it will be nuclear. I doubt that even the crazies of the likud would try a nuclear attack and expect to be branded worse than hitler. What do you think it will do to the contributions to continue to support a nation who nuked a neighbor. BTW a nuke will not solve the problem but it probably bring on the attack against Israel in a nothing held back. Can you imagine Israel with the jordan river poisoned in a method to make it unusable for 50 years? I know I would not visit the big apple for many years after the nuclear attack. It is pretty clear that there will be a lot of I wish they had not done that when it is all done. I can see many US Senators quickly running to live in Israel to get away from those that suffered from what ever Iran does.
jerry
February 20th, 2012 at 8:12 am
I thought stopping a preemptive strike with nuclear missiles was what the world was trying to preempt? Bombing a nuclear site with nuclear weapons will increase fallout over large areas of the earth. Isn't a failed nuclear plant in Japan enough? Your idea is nuts.
darrell bradley
February 20th, 2012 at 8:29 am
Our envoy should simply tell Israel that if they want to bomb Iran that they're on their own. Not one dollar, not one aircraft, weapon (other than the ones we've already given them), and certainly not ONE American life will be lost to their stupid, paranoid actions. When Iran, Russia and China kick their asses into the Red Sea we will sit back and watch.
andy
February 20th, 2012 at 9:04 am
This is not self-defense.
deliaruhe
February 20th, 2012 at 10:20 am
So it's no longer a matter of "if" (as if it ever was), but rather "when."
j r
February 20th, 2012 at 11:22 am
Logical if you're completely insane. Unfortunately, that describes the leadership in Israel and the US.
j r
February 20th, 2012 at 11:26 am
That would absolutely ensure the end of Israel.
Mark Thomason
February 20th, 2012 at 11:48 am
If it seemed likely Israel was about to do that, then someone would have to put Israel down with a few megaton nukes.
Toba
February 20th, 2012 at 11:59 am
The US would never let Israel do such a thing nor will Israel act in such a manner. They're both huffing and puffing. The US is keeping quite while the Israelis act live the uncivilized dogs they are since the US is starting to be aware that the Iranians could care less what Uncle Sam thinks or does.
The Iranians have had 10 years of studying American and Western tactics in Iraq and Afghanistan and the Russian and Chinese have had all the time in the world to also study the tactics and come up with countermeasures technical and scientific that they will give to the Iranians. One would think that Uncle Sam would have learned from Vietnam that letting his pride get in the way of his common sense is an act of futility but it seems that he has not Those people in Iran play the long game. They did it against the Egyptians for hundreds of years and eventually won. They did it against the Romans also for many years and won. Despite the beating that they were given by the Greeks, their soldiers were eventually at the Acropolis. Like the Chinese they have had long experience in ruling Empires and people.It's a thing that comes natural to them. They have even conquered and enslaved the Jews more than once.
Despite their bared fangs the Israelis know that any use of nuclear weapons will lead to such a groundswell of global antisemitism that they will do nothing more than huff and puff and lead their American Master around like a slave.
baz
February 20th, 2012 at 12:53 pm
religious fanatics or fanatic racists?
baz
February 20th, 2012 at 12:55 pm
are you suggesting we nuke Iran???
Nathan
February 20th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
The case of the U.S. vis-à-vis Israel is like the dog and its tail, Israel being the tail that’s wagging the dog.
In the event if an Israeli attack on Iran, the U.S. will be powerless not to join, thanks to the Israeli- financed, corporate-elected congress members who rise to their feet in standing ovation every time Netanyahu f-rts. What a disgrace the reps are to America!
SuzanneK
February 20th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
The White House announced today that Nutanyahoo is visiting Obama in Washington on March 5.
And just what exactly is the purpose of this newly announced visit? Does anybody believe that the Peace-Prize-Prez, is actually gonna rein in the lunatic Likudnik?
Or is Boobi (and AIPAC) just calling the shots for America, as usual?
I'm not holding my breath that this visit is going to avert a war with Iran………more likely it is the complete opposite…….
Nathan
February 20th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
darrell Bradley,
You must not know America well. Israel is the one who makes decisions for America. As Ariel Sharon had once said, “America will do what we tell it to do.
traveler
February 20th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Israel looks more and more like the fabled stupid frog trying to get as big as a bull.
Ugly little country, indeed!
traveler
February 20th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
He gave a us a great analysis of the state of Israel in today world.
Definitely, the worst country in the world for its power of nuisance and incessant sucking on the great tits of western money.
Yuck!
traveler
February 20th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
Israel is a tiny country with an army capable only to fight defenseless Palestinian children and women. Israel will be able to deliver about 50 bombs….. once. Then they count on the dumb US of A to finish the fight.
Awesome that the US can swallow such non sense so deeply and so willingly!
traveler
February 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
bye bye Israel then!
Iran is an old civilization, cultured in ways that a poor, limited fellow like you has no means or no theoretical concept to grasp and understand. Iran never invaded or conquered anyone.
The Israelis are a bloodthirsty dirty bunch. You must one of them. Ferocious but always vile!
traveler
February 20th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
Aren't these members of congress traitors to the nation?
Snowball7
February 20th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
a true test for Barack Hussein Obama Jr.
@mrraven
February 20th, 2012 at 4:12 pm
Using a nuclear weapon is ONLY bad if Iran does it, haven't you been reading your Zionist states of America bird cage liner recently?
ML3
February 20th, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Nuclear fallout blows. What's wrong with you?
ML3
February 20th, 2012 at 5:03 pm
Again, nuclear fallout blows. EVERYWHERE.
We should all suffer for this? What a maggot.
ML3
February 20th, 2012 at 5:04 pm
We will sit back and watch.
And laugh.
GENTELMAN
February 20th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
I think Israel can not affort to attach to Iran because Iran has nuclear .
baz
February 20th, 2012 at 7:02 pm
yes
Debbie(aussie)
February 20th, 2012 at 10:18 pm
Pity US PTB dont have the gumption to say NO! to Israel.
Debbie(aussie)
February 20th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
He's coming for the the annual AIPAC bowing of the congress isn't he?
persnipoles
February 20th, 2012 at 10:56 pm
I also remember a childrens book about a goldfish that never stopped growing as the child fed it.