Israel Tells the U.S. It Will Retaliate if Attacked by Iraq

The New York Times ^ | 9/21/2002 | Michael R. Gordon

[ex-Texan]

Israel Tells the U.S. It Will Retaliate if Attacked by Iraq

By MICHAEL R. GORDON

JERUSALEM, Sept. 21 — Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has informed the Bush administration that he plans to strike back if Iraq attacks Israel, according to Israeli and Western officials.

Mr. Sharon's statements, made privately to senior American officials in recent weeks, represent a major shift in Israeli thinking since the 1991 Persian Gulf war, when 39 Iraqi Scud missiles struck without any Israeli response.

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The prime minister's position reflects a widespread belief among Israeli politicians and generals that Arab leaders perceived Israel's restraint in 1991 as weakness. Throughout his military and political career, Mr. Sharon has always held that any attack on Israel must be promptly and powerfully punished.

"I don't think there is a scenario in which Israel will get hit and not strike back," a senior Western official said. "I think the evolving strategy will be commensurate response."

Mr. Sharon's position has significant implications for the Pentagon, which fears that an Israeli entry would stir up Arab public opinion and make it harder for the Pentagon to maintain cooperation from the Arab states where Washington hopes to base American forces

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[bonesmccoy]

Doesn't your psychological analysis of Hussein argue that Sharon's comments really are irrelevent in Bagdhad anyway? If Hussein is convinced he's going down anyway, he would rather martyr himself in a jihad against Jews.

I think the probability is better than 50/50 that Isreal will be hit with WMD (probably biological and chemical). For that reason, I am very concerned that Sharon's comments and any Israeli counter would potentially harm US forces in Iraq.

If that happens, it would damage US-Israeli relations for a long time.

[Robert_Paulson2]

"he's dead jim... he just doesn't know it yet..." (arafat)

[bonesmccoy]

I hope you believe that the Bush Administration is doing what you suggest. I feel that the White House is the most responsive in 10 years. I can't imagine how the Administration could be any more clear in their imperative and mission. Certainly, the Clinton Administration never defended Israel in the manner we are doing today.

[bonesmccoy]

there is a part of me that emotionally agrees with you. However, when you see the carnage of WMD and you know the long-term devastation that results, Israel (even if attacked first) would not emerge from such a conflagation. I doubt Pakistan would permit it.

[Robert_Paulson2]

If necessary, Israel will retaliate.
American troops will not be harmed.

Israeli/American relations will be stronger than ever...
The arabfascist world will collapse.
Moderate arab states will cheer in relief.
Wahhibist muslims will go under the wheel.
There will be a completely "pacified" palistinian state... with NO RIGHT Of return... and no Capital in Jerusalem.

[DallasMike]

He started this screwed up politic when he went to the Mount and now we're cleaning up pieces because of his inability to control the Palestinian population!

The "intifada" started months before Sharon even dreamed of going to the Temple Mount. If you insist I'll provide references, but even a cursory review of the events will convince you that the Sharon-Temple Mount theory of the intifada is a bunch of hogwash.

[Robert_Paulson2]

I doubt Pakistan would permit it.

WHO cares what pakistan will allow. Pakistan is now an american puppet state.

Pakistan's nukes are now under our aegis. As is musharaff. Arab dreams of a world empire are crushed. India has a mutual defense pact with Israel. There will be no nukes launched, from pakistan.

[bonesmccoy]

You know I don't blame Sharon for the totality of the uprising. I just feel that the previous Israeli administrations were better at controlling things. Sharon's ego appears to be interfering with more diplomatic solutions. Certainly, the premise of this thread, which focuses on involvement of Israel in a war in Iraq is evidence of that. While I certainly support Israel's right to defense, I am concerned that US forces in Iraq or in an operational theatre could get caught up in fire from the IDF. Frankly, if that occurs, I think our forces need to eliminate the problem, whether IDF or Iraqi. I'm sure the Pentagon has to be working a solution.

Does IDF AF have communication capabilities with US AWACs or J-star?

[Mr. Mojo]

Again, your ignorance is nothing short of astounding.

If Israel were attacked with WMD, it would most likely be with bioweapons, not nukes. This would hardly "level all of Israel."

The United States DOES NOT FOLLOW Israel's lead.

I see...It's all about ego with you. Relax, we'll get full credit for the victory, and any Israeli military moves will be synchronized with our own. I don't think you quite understand the deep level of cooperation between Israel and the U.S., and I'm positive you don't like it.

I do have huge objections when Israeli operatives begin spying on MY NATION and MY GOVERNMENT and MY MILITARY.

Paranoia runs deep,
Into your heart it will creep.

[bonesmccoy]

Why in heck are the Israel's so infatuated with Arafat? The guy is totally impotent anyway... who gives a damn what he thinks!

[bonesmccoy]

I got news pal. If the troops get contaminated with biological weaponry and we deploy pharmaceuticals to the theatre, the citizenry of the US is sitting duck to an attack here at home. I damn well hope the White House has that scenario mapped out!

[ATOMIC_PUNK]

"The USA KNEW they were going to do this."

And your point being?

[bonesmccoy]

I have no problem with US and IDF cooperation, so don't you go trying to label this argument as "anti-semite". That old gibberish is a bunch of malarky which is used any time people want to steer discussion from facts.

If the IDF and US Pentagon are so coordinated, why did Israel send Pollard to spy on us?

[eddie willers]

Sharon's ego appears to be interfering with more diplomatic solutions

I've been watching this Mid-East crap for 50 years.
I'm not sure there are diplomatic solutions.

[bonesmccoy]

Pakistan is not that easily pacified. If they have fought for generations with India and have gone toe-to-toe with India to create nuclear weapons themselves, don't count muslim ties out entirely.

I am sure that the Pakistan issue is being addressed by your favorite diplomat, Colin Powell.

You should thank the General for covering your back because if this was during Clinton... do you really think Madeline Albright would have known what to do?

[bonesmccoy]

Which is exactly why we should be isolating from the situation. I'm particularly distressed that so many appear to have mistaken the interests of the United States for the interests of any other nation. US families and US interests go before any other nation, and that includes Israel.

[Mr. Mojo]

I have news for you --- ALL major players in this world spy on each other. ....whether they're allies or enemies.

[bonesmccoy]

Jonathan Pollard's case is not an example of paranoia. It IS an example of Israeli espionage on our nation. Say... are you LIBERAL?

[bonesmccoy]

Israel is not a major player.