Iran attack: Israeli security establishment divided over Washington’s support

JERUSALEM - The Israeli security establishment is at odds on whether it would need Washington’s support if Israel decides to attack Iran.

Fox News quoted senior Israeli officials, as saying in interviews to the Wall Street Journal that they saw signs Washington may be willing to live with a nuclear-armed Iran, an eventuality that won’t be accepted by Israelis.

Some former senior members of Israel’s defense establishment have, however, put their weight behind both sides of the discussion.

“We don’t have permission, and we don’t need permission from the U.S.,” said Ephraim Sneh, who served as Defence Deputy Minister under former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

“Israel wouldn’t jeopardize its relationship with the U.S. by launching a military strike against Iran without an American nod,” opined Major General Giora Eiland.

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak has publicly opposed the perspective inside the administration.

“Only we have the exclusive responsibility when it comes to the fate and security of Israel, and only we can determine the matters pertaining to the fate of Israel and the Jewish people,” said Barak.

“But we must never lose sight of how important these relations are, or the ability to act in harmony and unity with the United States,” he added.

US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen reiterated America’s position, asserting that a military strike against Iran would be the ‘last option’.

Israel’s track record of coordinating such strikes with the U.S. is mixed.

Israel caught the U.S. by surprise with its attack on Iraq’s Osirak reactor in 1981.

Moreover, it was reported that Washington was given an advanced warning when Israel attacked a suspected Syrian nuclear facility in 2007. (ANI)