Two-thirds of National Journal's
National Security Insiders believe Israel will attack Iran to try to derail its
nuclear program, but they are divided over whether military action would take
place in the coming months or at a later date.
Speculation abounds over whether the Jewish state may strike, and
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently called upon the United
Nations General Assembly to draw a clear "red line" to stop Tehran
from developing nuclear weapons. While President Obama has insisted that no
option is off the table to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, the
administration has so far advocated for a strategy of tougher sanctions and
diplomatic pressure.
"If the U.S. strategy in 2013 does not produce noticeable
changes in Iran's behavior," one Insider said, "then either Israel
will convince the U.S. to strike (their preferred option) or they will go it
alone (and the U.S. will share in the consequences)."
Other Insiders believed an Israeli attack is imminent. "The
drums of war are beating louder and louder, and the Israelis are concerned they
are running out of time to mount an effective attack on the Iranian nuclear
program," one Insider said. "The Israelis have lost the element of
surprise but believe their nation's existence is threatened by the Iranian
program, thus making it likely they will strike Iran in the coming
months."
Israel will strike soon, because time is not on its side, another
Insider said. "Those who think a nuclear Iran can be deterred don't live
in Jerusalem."
http://www.nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/insiders-israel-will-attack-iran-20121009?page=1
