Posted on 01/22/2006 6:49:43 PM PST by blam
Israel 'will not sit back' and let Iran build atomic weapons
By Tim Butcher in Jerusalem
(Filed: 23/01/2006)
Israel issued thinly-veiled warnings yesterday that it was preparing to take direct action to stop Iran, its bitter enemy, acquiring nuclear weapons.
Remarks by Shaul Mofaz, the defence minister, raised the temperature of the worsening international crisis over the Islamic republic's nuclear ambitions and prompted Iran into a swift and strongly-worded response.
The war of words increased the prospect of another pre-emptive strike by Israel similar to that in 1981 when its warplanes destroyed Saddam Hussein's nuclear programme with an attack on the Osirak reactor in Iraq.
Mr Mofaz was reacting to the decision by Iran to restart its uranium enrichment programme earlier this month after a two and a half year moratorium, which prompted European powers to draft a resolution calling for Iran's referral to the UN Security Council.
"We are giving priority at this stage to diplomatic action … but we cannot tolerate a nuclear option for Iran and we must prepare ourselves," Mr Mofaz said. "We must develop the option of our defence with all that implies."
He then issued a rhetorical plea to the Iranian leader.
"You, who are leading your country in an ideology of hatred, terror and anti-Semitism, you had better take a glance at history and see what became of tyrants like you who tried to annihilate the Jewish people," he said.
"They brought only destruction upon their own people."
Mr Mofaz nevertheless added: "Israel's policy is to bring this hot potato to the Security Council to impose sanctions and invasive inspection."
His sentiments were echoed in remarks from Gen Dan Halutz, head of the Israeli armed forces.
Questioned about how Israel's defence establishment was preparing itself for the challenge posed by Iran, Gen Halutz said: "I am not going to deal with the solutions to the Iranian nuclear problem. Israel is not helpless - that is enough of an answer."
Iran offered a swift retort from its foreign ministry spokesman, who said any attack on Iran would be a "fatal mistake". "This is just a childish game by Israel," said Hamid Reza Asefi.
His threats were not limited to Israel. Saying dialogue was the best way to settle the dispute, he issued a harsh warning to European powers to resume talks.
"We advise them [Europe] not to choose any path except dialogue. If there is a retribution to be paid, that will include Europe, too," Mr Asefi said, adding that Iran planned to continue co-operation with the UN.
Relations between Israel and Iran have been hostile since the 1979 Iranian revolution but they worsened considerably last year when the newly-elected Iranian president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, called for Israel to be "wiped off the map".
Israel has had its own nuclear arsenal since the 1980s although details remain a closely guarded secret. Government policy is neither to confirm nor deny the existence of its nuclear capability.
This Madman has got to go and fast. My prayers are with Israel and urge them to say NO to any appeasers who ask of them the same, lest they forget and I doubt they will, the lessons of appeasement made to another madman some 65+ years ago.
Yes but we cannot allow the evil empire control the world.
Remember Neville Chamberlain with Hitler. "Peace In Our Time."
I guess I should add: "Remember Pearl Harbor."
Until the MSM acknowledges this is a religious war, the traitors in this country will prevail. But, Israel will not allow this as it is their survival and ours, too!
...and apparently the Liberals--
check out the rampant anti-semitism here at
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/01/21/israel-preparing-for-mili_n_14231.html
Truly appalling.
Enough already Zion, open up the bomb bay doors already.
Enough already Zion, open up the bomb bay doors already.
What we must do we must do quickly.
All this UN stuff is just delaying. We don't really have a clue what stage this guy's gotten to. He might even have one by now for all we know. Our intel guys aren't like the TV ones.
Delay long enough and there's be a lot more dead.
You are very correct. Besides Silkworms and Scuds closing the Straits of Hormuz, Iran's ace will be to "Baker" any US Carrier Battle Group that enters the Gulf and then claim we did it ....
I believe a comment made recently, that Iran already has one,
or more, weapons. Otherwise, they would have not broadcast
breaking the UN seals. They want world destruction! It is
a religious war! They want to kill Christians/Jews!
We won't send 'carriers' into the gulf, to confining. BTW, what's a 'Baker'?
perhaps I should add to your assessment with a simple:
Trust the old media at your own risk.
Israel shall always falter, as does any nation, under God, but God understands.
Thank you!
You read between my lines. It is written that God will protect
the children of Israel! God and history are on their side. I just
pray we are the "chosen" nation/country, too!
you are welcome, FRiend
Google "Nuclear Tests Baker" ... Baker was an underworld nuclear test that sank many ships. I think it exploded 90' underwater .... sank a carrier... battleship ... several cruisers and many other ships. The airburst test "Able" failed in many aspects.
Thanks. I know about that...I just didn't know it was named Baker.
Before Desert Storm you were correct, since then the Navy has gone into the Gulf with Carriers many times, but I would guess that is being reevaluated.
I think there's a reason France turned their rhetoric to military and nuclear response this early in the process shows that France is deadly afraid that the Iranians have or are very very close to having a nuke.
France should know. They sold them most of the stuff and probably trained em too. What the Russians didn't do.
They are either suicidal or think they can parlay themselves into the big boy nuclear standoff game. Bush has no need to play this game based on intelligience. This Iranian is making enough public claims on his own. Still they could just be suicidal who knows.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.