Netanyahu ‘determined to attack Iran’ before US elections, claims Israel’s Channel 10

The Times of Israel ^ | 8/20/12 | Times of Israel Staff

[crosshairs]

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “is determined to attack Iran before the US elections,” Israel’s Channel 10 News claimed on Monday night, and Israel is now “closer than ever” to a strike designed to thwart Iran’s nuclear drive.

The TV station’s military reporter Alon Ben-David, who earlier this year was given extensive access to the Israel Air Force as it trained for a possible attack, reported that, since upgraded sanctions against Iran have failed to force a suspension of the Iranian nuclear program in the past two months, “from the prime minister’s point of view, the time for action is getting ever closer.”

Asked by the news anchor in the Hebrew-language TV report how close Israel now was to “a decision and perhaps an attack,” Ben-David said: “It appears that we are closer than ever.”

He said it seemed that Netanyahu was not waiting for a much-discussed possible meeting with US President Barack Obama, after the UN General Assembly gathering in New York late next month — indeed, “it’s not clear that there’ll be a meeting.” In any case, said Ben-David, “I doubt Obama could say anything that would convince Netanyahu to delay a possible attack.”

The report added that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak believe Obama would have no choice but to give backing for an Israeli attack before the US presidential elections in November.

There is considerable opposition to an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, the report noted — with President Shimon Peres, the army’s chief of the General Staff and top generals, the intelligence community, opposition leader Shaul Mofaz, “and of course the Americans” all lined up against Israeli action at this stage.

But, noted Ben-David, it is the Israeli government that would have to take the decision, and there Netanyahu is “almost guaranteed” a majority.

Other Hebrew media reports on Tuesday also said Netanyahu had despatched a senior official, National Security Adviser Yaakov Amidror, to update the elderly spiritual leader of the Shas ultra-Orthodox coalition party, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, on the status of the Iranian nuclear program, in order to try to win over Shas government ministers’ support for an attack.

[2001convSVT]

I heard that also, and tend to believe the vast uninformed majority will support President Obama as a duty to be patriotic. I hope that you are right about PM Netanyahu.

[2001convSVT]

I agree we would definitely see higher oil prices, but now President Obama can blame it on the Iranians and his media will help.

[wiggen]

Maybe. The dude has had over 3.5 years of sanctions to no avail. we here know his intent was always to allow them to have the bomb. Just do enough to make it difficult,to make it appear he was trying to stop them. Israel knows this too.

[CatherineofAragon]

I’m hopeful....Netanyahu has taken the measure of that infection lodged in the White House. Bibi knows what he’s dealing with.

[nothingnew]

Hey Benjamin...git her done. Why Israel has waited so long is still a mystery to me. I know there is worldwide apprehension, but it will happen sooner or later. Git her done before "she" does it to you. Enough of this muslim take over the world crap!

I don't expect the muslim in chief to do anything to help you...do it yourselves.

FMCDH(BITS)

[Personal Responsibility]

I believe it. That’s exactly my point. Bibi is going to do what he thinks is best for Israel. If he feels keeping Obama mollified is better for Israel’s future than a pre-emptive attack on Iran is...well...I think he’s wrong but that’s what he’ll do.

He’s gotten The Official Obama Snub (tm) at least twice in three years. I honestly don’t think he cares what The Won thinks.

[PapaBear3625]

Maybe before the election is better than attacking in the lame-duck timeframe.

After the election, Obama can unmask and be as anti-Israel as he wants. Before the election, he has to consider what his actions will do to US public opinion.

[mulder1]

Israel is too weak to attack and world opinion will turn against them. It was written along time ago that they will agree to a peace treaty before they get invaded.

[Future Snake Eater]

There’s also at least one major war that will be fought prior to that treaty, maybe two.

[ex91B10]

"The TV station’s military reporter Alon Ben-David, who earlier this year was given extensive access to the Israel Air Force as it trained for a possible attack..."

Things that make you go "Hummmm..."

Is it treason? A trial balloon? Speculation on the reporter's part?

The Kenyan must go.

[mulder1]

Attack not likely. Israel had trouble with Hamas fighters in a thirty day war recently and had to sue for peace.

[SunkenCiv]

Note: this topic was posted 8/21/2012. Some agitprop from the reelection campaign season. Thanks crosshairs.

[GOPJ]

Note: this topic was posted 8/21/2012. Some agitprop from the reelection campaign season.

Important to remember. Thanks.