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Title: Israeli spy chief downplays Iranian nuke threat
Source:
Washington Times
URL Source: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news ... downplays-iranian-nuke-threat/
Published: Jan 4, 2012
Author: Abraham Rabinovich
Post Date: 2012-01-04 20:19:18 by jwpegler
Keywords: None
Views: 1950
Comments: 3
The head of Israel’s intelligence agency says that a nuclear-armed Iran does not necessarily pose an existential threat to the Jewish state, according to Israeli ambassadors. Mossad chief Tamir Pardo addressed a conclave of Israeli ambassadors in Jerusalem on Thursday, saying that Israel’s existence is not inevitably endangered by Iran acquiring an atomic weapon, even as Israel has tried to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program. “What is the significance of the term ‘existential?’” Mr. Pardo was quoted as saying by several ambassadors. “If you said a nuclear bomb in Iranian hands was an ‘existential’ threat, that would mean that we would have to close up shop. That’s not the situation. The term is used too freely.” The intelligence chief did not comment on an Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, which the Islamic republic has said is engaged only in peaceful research. Mr. Pardo’s remarks contradict those of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly has sought consensus among Israeli officials to attack Iran’s nuclear centers. However, Mr. Pardo’s comments echo those of his predecessor at Mossad, Meir Dagan, and of other former and current Israeli security officials. Mr. Dagan had vigorously opposed an attack and expressed his position publicly after retiring earlier this year. Gabi Ashkenazi, former armed forces chief of staff, also reportedly opposed an attack. Opponents to an attack plan say that Iran, as a rational state, would not launch a nuclear assault that would ensure a retaliatory Israeli strike on its cities, including holy sites. Zeevi Farkash, Israel’s former military intelligence chief, has said that Iran’s main drive for acquiring atomic weapons is not for use against Israel but as a deterrent against U.S. intervention, in much the same way that nuclear- armed North Korea feels secure against a U.S. attack. Other Israeli leaders argue that Iran, ruled by clerics and mystics, cannot be relied upon to make “rational” decisions with regard to Israel. They also warn about the possibility of Iranan nuclear devices falling into the hands of terrorists. What’s more, they argue, a nuclear-armed Iran could adopt aggressive policies that could roil the entire region and leave Israel more exposed to conventional attack. Mr. Netanyahu’s views on attacking Iran reportedly are shared by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, but not the majority of his Cabinet.
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#1. To: All, Brian S, hondo68, CZ82, Happy Quanzaa, Capitalist Eric, buckeroo, A K A Stone, sneakypete, We The People, Fibr Dog, Ferret Mike (#0)
(Edited)
Well look at this. Israel's current Mossad Chief, former Mossad Chief, former Military Intelligence Chief, and former Armed Forces Chief of Staff all agree with Ron Paul on Iran's nukes. But hey, what do these kooky, anti-Semitic, isolationists know anyway? We must do what Rick Sanatorium and the rest of the lunatic neo-commies command -- bomb, bomb, bomb... bomb, bomb, Iran... I wonder if Santorum and the rest aren't really just trying to usher in Armageddon, so they'll all be "raptured" to heaven before they have to die. Regardless, the GOP is really, really screwed up.
But hey, what do these kooky, anti-Semitic, isolationists know anyway? They think it's 1780 or something? They just have a loony, kooky, childish view of the VERY REAL threat the Islamofascists and Muslimaniacs pose to Israel and the US! (That's how the neo's would put it, right? I mean, even in a sentence, they'd put Israel first...right?)
There are four boxes to be used in the defense of liberty: the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box and the ammo box. Please use in that order.
I'm surprised the WTimes published this and thank you for posting. Obama is a fool if he falls into the attack Iran trap. $200bbl oil will kill his reelection chances which is partly why the gop is urging on the 'attack'.
Never swear "allegiance" to anything other than the 'right to change your mind'!
Zeevi Farkash, Israel’s former military intelligence chief, has said that Iran’s main drive for acquiring atomic weapons is not for use against Israel but as a deterrent against U.S. intervention
#2. To: jwpegler (#1)
(Edited)
Well look at this. Israel's current Mossad Chief, former Mossad Chief, former Military Intelligence Chief, and former Armed Forces Chief of Staff all agree with Ron Paul on Iran's nukes.
#3. To: jwpegler (#1)
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