Posted on 12/08/2005 10:45:07 PM PST by jmc1969
Israel is expanding its military arsenal to deal with what it views as the greatest threat to its existence: a nuclear attack by Iran.
It has acquired dozens of warplanes with long-range fuel tanks to allow them to reach Iran and signed a deal with Germany for two submarines reportedly capable of firing nuclear missiles.
Such a mission would be far more complicated than the 1981 Israeli raid that destroyed an unfinished Iraqi nuclear reactor. It would require heavy precision bombs that can blast through underground bunkers, manned aircraft to bombard multiple targets and possibly ground commandos to make sure weapons materials are destroyed, experts say.
"It's not a target that you can find on the map, send two F15s and solve it," said Itamar Yaar, deputy head of Israel's National Security Council.
Both the United States and Israel refuse to say whether a strike plan is in the works.
(Excerpt) Read more at signonsandiego.com ...
"It has acquired dozens of warplanes with long-range fuel tanks to allow them to reach Iran and signed a deal with Germany for two submarines reportedly capable of firing nuclear missiles."
This is ironic. Isreali's buying weaponry from Germany to fight an enemy that is threatening the verify existance of the Jewish State, close to the same thing Germany tried over 60 years ago.
Saddam didn't have nukes "ready to fly" when Israel went after him in 1981. What he did have was a nuclear reactor that was "past the point of no return" or, to use abortion terminology "viable". It's not merely a matter of having a warhead and an ICBM or Bear Bomber armed and ready to go. It's a matter of having the infrastructure in place necessary to achieve a nuclear capability. The Iranians are still in the 1st trimester, but viability is rapidly approaching.
The Iraqi's were on the verge of getting to the point where they no longer needed any outside assistance and where it was mere time and inclination that would determine whether they had the bomb.
That's Israel's threshold. Right now, the Iranians don't have an independent capacity. They still need help from the Russians and the Chinese and various other countries. They're not yet at the stage where they have all the materials they need(ie like North Korea).
Israel WILL strike before Iran reaches that stage, unless the Int'l Community does it first.
However, when they do it will still be a limited op designed soley to eliminate Iran's nuclear capability, rather than an op to eliminate Iran(as an Iranian op against Israel would be). That is the "playing field" being reffered to. The goal of the op. For Israel, it's the elimination of the nuclear capability. For Iran, it's the elimination of Israel. If Israel were to level the playing field, as suggested, their goal would then be the elimination of Iran, not just their nuclear capability.
"The best defense is a strong pre-emptive strike..
and using it as my new tag-line :)
thanks, CD
Israel has no interest in annhilating the Iranian people, most of whom are pro democracy, by nukung them. They will take out Iran's nuke capability before it is operational. The ruling government/theocracy is the problem in Iran, not the people, dude. Write to the defense ministry in Israel and let them know about your well thought out plan, dude..
We need to discuss royalties:)
We are saying esentially the same thing about Israel/Iran. Israel will take action to prevent Iran from having the capability to launch nukes. It is estimated Israel has over 100 nukes ready to go. Israel has no interest, IMO, to annhililate the Iranian people, only the radical government/theocracy.
Israel is obviously far more forgiving than their opposition. I believe under the circumstances they are way too thoughtful, generous, forgiving and it will probably be more expensive than anticipated. Obviously they are prepared to chance it. They are obviously great humanitarians. Loads of civility.
I believe in fair exchange. its a principle that has existed since the beginning of time. Thus a person has to ask....what will they get in return? I believe nothing more than a postponement, but what do I know?
IMO, it is only a matter of time before Iran caves in to the force of democracy. A democratic Iraq and Afghanistan on their border will help. If Iran attacks Israel, they will have the US to fight also.
funny thing though
they think their nuts drag lower AND have bigger musckles. consequently believe they can spank the US.
poor buggers.... victims of self illusionment
I agree completely. I was just explaining what the poster meant by "playing in different levelss". You're correct about Israel's interests. Iran's interests are different. Hence, they're on different levels.
Not a big deal really as we're in agreement.
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