Does Israel stand alone against Iran?
Obama has declared his commitment to Israel's security, but U.S. action on the Iranian issue is stagnant.
By Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff Tags: Iran nuclear Israel newsBased on the declarations coming out of Washington recently, as well as American actions (or lack thereof) on the matter of Iran's pursuit of a nuclear weapon, reasonable suspicions are being raised that Israel could be left to face the Iranian problem alone.
U.S. President Barack Obama has declared his commitment to Israel's security more than once and has promised to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. But now, as every target date set by the Americans has passed and the plan for harsh United Nations sanctions look relatively milky, concern is rising that the U.S. government has accepted that Iran will either get the atomic bomb, or at least develop the capability but agree to stop just before actually building one.
At every opportunity, Washington expresses its opposition to Israeli military action on Iran. If attacked by Israel, Iran would certainly not give up its nuclear intentions. Additionally, Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy said recently that the U.S. has ruled out a military strike against Iran's nuclear program any time soon. With this, the U.S. is hiding "the stick" in dealing with Iran.
Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell's efforts to backtrack on Flournoy's statements appeared unserious. He said that U.S. military action against Iran remains an option, but one has only to look at the words of U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates to understand the grave situation facing Israel.
Gates, according to a New York Times report, warned in a three-page secret memo written to National Security Adviser James Jones in January that the U.S. lacks a long-term plan for dealing with the Iranian nuclear threat.
Gates pointed out that the U.S. would be faced with a problem if Iran developed the capability to produce a nuclear weapon but stopped short of actually building it. This scenario would not technically constitute a violation of the commitment to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, but as Gates said in an interview with ABC: "If Iran goes to the edge but does not assemble a nuclear weapon, how would we know that they did not actually produce one?"
All of this fits together with a quote, attributed by American officials to a senior U.S. defense establishment figure, that the U.S. shouldn't allow Israel and Saudi Arabia to push it into a war against Iran in which young Americans will die.
The ongoing negotiations over sanctions are raising questions about America's policies. Last week, in an interview with Channel 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the U.S. to impose strict sanctions against Iran. Several days ago, at a Likud faction meeting at the Knesset, Netanyahu expressed doubt as to whether sanctions would be enacted in the coming month.
This June, before Lebanon takes its turn as president of the UN Security Council, is seen as the new final target period to approve sanctions. The desire of the Obama administration to get other nations on board for sanctions is pushing the resolution to the lowest common denominator and will from the get go neuter the chance of effective sanctions.
Up until now, the government has avoided statements on paralyzing sanctions enacted by the U.S. itself, with the aid of likeminded nations. Officials in Jerusalem find it hard to understand why Obama is focusing international attention on differences on a few residential units in Jewish neighborhoods of Jerusalem that in the end will remain part of Israel in a peace agreement.
Netanyahu's positive declarations this past week on the future of negotiations with the Palestinians as well as Obama's popping in on a meeting in Washington that Jones was holding with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak can be seen as efforts to cool the recent tensions between the U.S. and Israel. But deep suspicions remain in the relationship. The question is whether differences of opinion on the peace process and Iran could lead Israel to independently attack Iran's nuclear sites.
On this question, there are two opposite potential answers. On one hand, the crisis with Obama could push Netanyahu into taking dangerous steps. On the other hand, given the divisions with Washington, Netanyahu could be fearful of acting independently. The murky situation will probably be clarified in the coming months, after the sanctions are tested, assuming that they are not again delayed.
Posted by Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff on April 27, 2010
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Israel is never alone because the God of Israel will NEVER forsake His covenant people. The Obama administration is not the friend that Israel wants or needs. Obama would leave Israel for destruction from Islamic enemies yet speak about his "commitment" to Israel. If Iran attacks it will be their end.
sometimes you also have to wonder, is a democratic really a democratic country?, peter sm cries fowl even when his make up smudges, i have been following irans movements of late and i'de rather be in iran than america.
The Iran-iraq war not about sunni-shia rivalry you silly. It was about territorial dispute and b/c Iran was in its post-revolution turmoil, the usual suspects thought saddam would have a quick and speedy victory. And for the 1st 2 years he actually occupied Iran's territory with the backing of the whole world including your gov's grants, loan guarantees, intelligence and all the cookies. But one thing the world didn't know about Iran (and apparently still doesn't by the jist of your post), ALL Iranians are willing to die for their country and will fight the AGGRRESSORs to the last blood.And one thing they are good at is survival. 2ndly, Iraq is a majorit shia country, it was only ruled by a totalitarian minority baathist saddam. 3rdly, Saudis, Kuwaiti & UAE are also totalitarian regime who are in power b/c of US protection. They are anthing but the elite, not even in the vast deserts of their own lands.
You call the defenders of your country your 'fallen', the Iranians call theirs their 'martyrs'. The concept and context is essentially the same. You really need to take control of your hysteria.
Nathalie seems to be always right. Israel IS the real problem in the ME, and Iran is just the norm in the ME. When you consider that the problem, according to Muslims and Islamofirsters like Nathalie is that an independent, secular, democratic, non-Muslim, anti-Islamic hegemony, gender equal country like Israel exists as a bad example to the neighboring states, then yes, it is a problem and should be wiped out so that Nathalie and her Islamic allies can celebrate a complete victory over the forces of progress and liberty. Down with Israel, eh Nathalie? "Israel is the real problem in the mideast, not Iran."
Israel does stand alone. Confounded international community never could get anything right. Sheesh.
she's smarter than all her detractors put together.
"America lived with the Soviet nuke threat for two decades" They also lived with Jim Crow for decades; does that mean we should emaulate that.
Because if Israel attacks Iran, Hezbollah will start sending 11.000 missiles no matter what, at any risk. Only thing Israel can do will be to reinvade Lebanon and there will be no SLA this time around. All Israeli targets anywhere in the world will be under the risk of attack, also any economic partners will be under the risk of attack. A widescale war will be looming in the ME. If you are Ok with all this, then there is no problem to attack Iran.
where did you get yours information? From Nassralah???not very reliable hehehehe.
Yeah, Israel stands alone for now....just until we can get rid of the Muslim pres that the idiots put in place in our country! Never has our country ever been in such a place that it is in now (that is, ignoring Israel, our friend). No more liberals for pres....they stink!
Not being Religious myself I still find myself defending the individual's right to Religion. When I think of the "Contemporary World" and Contemporary values I think,right dress, right accent, right weight, right house, right job, right hair, right breasts, right nose, right clothes, right job, right height, right mobile, right car. Are these the values upon which you place your faith, because that's the Contemporary World and it's run by People, not Religion.
Indeed, as israel keeps the drum beat rolling for an attack against Iran, the rest of the world sees far graver calamities waiting to unfold. Including another financial meltdown, the approaching peak oil (see recent study from the US army environmental agency) and relentless global warmong and ocean acidification. Israel is indeed alone in its dispute with Iran - which the world just does not see as much of a danger to anything other than Israeli hegemony. That israel is a deeply paranoic entity seems an immutable variable. But there are other cures to paranoia short of killing a bunch of other people. Israel could, for example, join the NPT - just as Iran has. That just MIGHT give it more than half a leg to stand on when it calls for tough sanctions. Think of it as a psychotropic drug which might allow the country to act rationally - at least for a time. Letting go of the occupation is another good potential cure. Unfortunately even the pre-trials have not started yet on this one.
Israel has let go of Gaza occupation , did it work?Was that a potential cure? 8000 rockets in 3 years on to Israeli towns.
Wrong premise for debate Chris. My criticism is that Natalie is lying when she says Israel has killed more civilians than any other Nation since 2006 It's just not true. Surely even you know this. Maybe not.
There has been religion since the earth was formed.The humans had to have some beliefs. They worshiped the sun,the stars,the moon, the trees,the stones.And It went on through all mankind,and could not be stopped. You are barking up the wrong tree Tony. I guess MEN always needed something to believe in and that is something you are oblivious to. I am secular,but if there is a G*D then fine. I leave the good Lord alone most of the time. He/she knows where I am,and he/she will take are of me and mine if it pleases the one above. You are remiss in applying this and think you can force people to abandon RELIGION. CAN'T BE DONE.
1) Israel received approx. $ 106 billion in foreign aid from the US...of that total, $3 billion/year is in the form of military aid which is spent in the US...BUT, the $30 billion in economic grants, and $1.5 billion in immigration grants were certainly NOT spent in the US...2) you say, "the US needs Israel more than the reverse"...you speak that noise but a simple map recon proves that Israel is a small country, surrounded on 3 sides by unfriendly nations, and a simple perusal of the last 7 days of Haaretz will let you know that it's Israel (Ronald Lauder)not the US that's asking for committments to defense...3) foreign aid to Egypt, Pakistan and others is not relevant here Mr. Ross...you're the only one claiming to be all alone and Israel IS STILL getting that $3 Bil/year...4) you say that US foreign aid didn't start until 1967???check the numbers on the Jewish Virtual Library ...1949=$100 Million...5) as you said...get your facts right.
Will the new European President from Brussels lead by your example, enough is enough, when somebody shares an opinion contrary to yours, Tony. Please Tony, I have lived in America all my life and travelled around the world,and in countries whereby when a leader says enough is enough, the next step,if they can get away with it is make you disappear. The US has heard Obama say "enough is enough" on more than one occassion. What's next Sharia law or my head will roll. Keep it up, you may be a politician before your time is up. Peace be with you.
So Israel is different to everyone else and is allowed to kill at will?
"Israel, start acting like the chosen people that you are. Your obligation is the Lord, not the world." Religion as a justification for murder, genocide, and terrorism is not acceptable in the 21st Century, you fanatic. People like you need to be the first to die.
When most American Jews aren't welcome in Israel or even recognized as Jews, how can you expect help from them? And the situation is going to get worse.
jews decided to have home in the heart of the Arab World and they have it. israel must know that it can't survive for long surrounded by enemies from East to West and from South to North. israeli Army can win wars and grab more lands but never PEACE. Peace comes by diplomacy and not bullets. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Iran doesn't need nukes. Just the knowledge and capability should be enough to deter war-mongers. If Bibi/Limburger go beserk and start yet another war I would advise decent non-violent Israelis to come to America. Welcome. Salaam/Shalom
First you lie about Israel killing more than any other Nation. You make a point of lying, no matter who pulls you up and then you repeat the lie. And now in your inimitable sly way you try to turn the lie into some kind of truth. How disingenuous, when over 100,000 have been killed in Iraq alone, mostly by your Government's troops. Check yourself.
Religion erodes democracy. Religion enflames ethnic tensions. Religion is triumphalistic. Religion encourages war. Religion is a symptom of a brain dysfunction caused by a high degree of survival anxiety. Religion is pathological. A symbolic attempt by the brain to regulate it?s own chemistry (more endorphins please?) but it tolerates all kinds of delusional behavior and rewards the most extreme acting out. This kind of nitpicking nonsense has no place in the contemporary world.
Israel made a very fateful decision in the 1950s to become the first nation to introduce nuclear arms to the Middle East. Nixon and Kissinger (Zionist jew) made and equally fateful decision to lend U.S. support to Israeli weapons of mass destruction. Now, the chickens are coming home to roost
Read the truth and don't confuse the issue. The usual BS .You say: 1) Israel has been more than generously assisted...(to the tune of $106 billion)... Typical of your ilk with the repetitions of the $billions. It has been explained time and again those monies are SPENT RIGHT THERE IN THE US, you fool. What is more,the US needs Israel,more than the reverse. If you are going to be mealy mouthed on monies,hows about the billions given to Egypt without any return? Same to Pakistan and others I have no patience to enumerate. Yes,Israel should and would do as it pleases.And if you think Israel needs a stick,then you are barking up a wrong tree billy boy As for the US being a pretty good friend agreed.But where you are wrong is: Not 60+years,but only since 1967.Get your facts right.
I am assuming that the supporters of Israel who quibble over this or that won't quibble with that number. I assume that they are not bothered by that number. This is far more damning than anything I can say.
Yes Israel could be left to face the Iranian problem alone. I too could have told you after BHO won the presidncy FACT. Especially when he bowed so LOW to the Saudi king,his first words on Jerusalem being Israelis Capito,changing it within one day,by reversing it to:JERUSALEM WILL BE THE CAPITOL OF PALESTINIANS. Tricky bastard ha?
It's not as if warnings weren't issued? From obscurity to center stage. Oh, how we could argue religion, ancient history and modern day politics, science etc.,etc. As for the final day of judgement, I leave it up to all of you individually. Israel has only one battle to resolve, and it has nothing to do with Pals or Muslems. For Israel and its dreaded two enemies its really the same battle. Their struggle with one another as cousins, is the lie they have been perpertrating within their own cultures for centuries. Israel shall be left to not only face Iran alone but with the assembled nations of the world. Last warning, before Yeshua arrives to settle all accounts, including those of Israel. But they shall awaken for the time is so near, that they'll be no more disputing Truth vs. The Lie. I pray for all nations for the Day of Enlightenment is coming upon you all. Here's where wisdom comes to those who will understand. If "Yeshua"="Jesus" is not the Truth,then we've been deceived.
1) Israel has been more than generously assisted...(to the tune of $106 billion)...for 61 of its 62 years of existence by the United States of America...Israelis get more free money from my government than I do...2) Israel is a sovereign nation...she can do whatever she chooses to include a strike on Iranian nuclear facilities...3) of course the US is "hiding the stick"...basic common sense if you are still attempting to talk...the stick still exists, we (like Israel)will choose when we use it...4) I think the US has been a pretty good friend to Israel for 60+ years...don't you?
He will be very surprised,nay annoyoed to read your inane presumption,and comments. Remember the UK has NUKES too. Other than that best for you to shove off,for you are making a fool of yourself by saying: IT'S A DONE DEAL. Sez who?
Obama's government has failed in Iraq,the war continous relentlessly,in Afganistan even as more USA troops pour into the country the situation worsens,has lost the USA missile defense shield in Poland,has North Korea breaking every UN resolution expoloding underground nuclear bombs ,failed to influence Syria in any way as it continous to arm Hizbolla,has divided the Palestinians into two areas Gaza controlled by Hamas with El Kaida links and a corrupt inefficient Palestinian representation in the West Bank that will fall to Hamas the minute Israel withdraws,it is a government of duds,Israel stands alone against the tyrant and dictator Ahmadinejad .
If Israel goes at it alone eventually the USA will inevitably come into the war just like WW2. But Israel will almost certainly have to make the intial attack on Iran without USA support. Obama believes Iran can be contained so he will not support a preemptive military attack on Iran. Period.
I could have told you that after BHO won the presidency.
What is Israel that the USA should base its foreign policy on Israel's point of view (on Iran or anything else)? Israel, a putative nuclear-armed nation, wants to attack Iran for trying to develop such weapons. Not only does Israel wish to attack, it is pulling out all the stops to involve the US in this insanity. How in the world would a huge regional war be in Israel's 'security interests?' No amount of repetition of such nonsense - the fabrication of a group of right-wing crazies - will make it true.
Not only Iran's oil but JUST OIL period. That they care only for it,is no surprise. And that is the crux of the whole matter. The US has oil,Chaves has oil,many African(tho'poor)Have oil.Oil,oil everywhere chocking the daylights out of the whole GLOB. But many scientists are working hard trying to find an alternative to the viscus oil. Sooner than later the oil wells will dry up. Then what?Can it be eaten? How will the poor African populations survive who are starving do? EAT OIL? Enough said.
But don't we know the whole scenario you presented/painted.We are aware of the causes within it.Fear not Fortuna Israel can do as it wishes without having to beg another nation, particularely the US or Europe for they will be in the same BOAT if Iran decides to use it NUKES.Be it Israel or any other world country will be not be immune. Ahmedinejad/Mullas notwithstanding,assuredly. I appreciated your post.
Israel was let down by the said countries,during the many wars it faught and WON No one helped Israel and when push comes to SHOVING Israel managed and will still manage without anyones help. For those you mentioned are far away,and looking after NUMBER ONE. Therefore,Israel is alone,but it has the power to survive all ODDS. As for the "blue helmets" gee are they not a useless bunch?You only have to see how inept they have been in Lebanon.Sheeesh!
The truth is the world cares about Iran's oil not Israel.
ISRAEL HAS KILLED MORE CIVILLIANS RUBBISH WHAT ABOUT IN THE AFRICA,S COUNTRYS.
The facts are that there are 4-6 years at least until they could feasibly have usable nuclear weapons, so the rest of the world isn't keen to risk bolstering Ahmadinejad's popularity with a risky invasion. If the political pressure doesn't see a resolution in a couple of years, THEN there will be approval for a direct attack.
Has the right to impose its will on Israel. Israel is a sovereign country and Obama can go hang if he tries to impose his will on Israel He'll regret it FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE. Besides Israel is quite capable to deal with with it should the need arise. After all,the ones who want to annihilate it,i.e Iran will suffer equally and no winners will emanate from the disaster that will be heaped if a nuclear attack is decided. Ultimately,(said it before)If push comes to shove Israel has the SAMPSON option.i.e MAD. And I doubt Iran IS foolish enough to think they will survive it.
the Israeli nuclear threat for decades, if Israel cannot adjust to the 'new environment' that's their problem, NOT OURS. We should not get involved in any more conflicts in the region for the sake of Israel's security, or just to make them happy. America First!
Iran summones UAE envoy over disputed islands. (Iran wants to annex the Gulf's Sudeten. Obama will yield and make a "peace in our times" speech that will mezmerize Obama's supporters around the world). Iran calls the UNSC "satanic". Iran calls Israel a "microbe". Iran's FM can't bring himself to answer a reporter's question in Vienna, because it would be a verbal Rassenschande: He was from Haaretz, i.e. from the non-existent nation of microbes, not humans, "that ought to be destroyed". Iran's verbatim grows ever more lunatic, medieval and fascist by the day. It reflects lunacy and megalomania by their leaders: the exact same devil of Germany in 1938: Don't pooh - pooh the comparison just because it's déjà vu. This is the Iran the people of Israel are facing. And Obama is no Churchill. Not even close to Roosevelt. He is rather a Stalin of political correctness. His outstreched arm was indeed Chamberlanian, and sustaining it for more than a year is truly imbecile.
For goodness sake H,what about Iraq, Afghanistan Pakistan,Chechniya,not to mention Vietnam? I am not even going back to Japan,because it falls on the same time frame of 1945 2nd World war. I am not critising you,butI decided to come forward to nearer time. A load of BS that Durson repeats adnauseum. -Trying to attract attention. Silly single minded woman.
WENDY, I EXPECT ISRAEL TO "GO FOR IT" AND WHEN THEY DO I SUSPECT THE IRANIANS TO FLEE IRAN ENMASSE! ISRAEL WILL NOT COME UP SHORT!
it seems that whenver pushing comes to shoving,Israel is left alone time and again...It was left alone in 1956,when the brits and the french turned tail.It was left alone in 1967,when the UN blue helmets turned tail and run at the first nasser's bark and President's Johnson "flotilla" never showed up.It had to fend for itself in 1973,when the egyptians and syrians(doing the russwian's dirty job) attacked...The friends only intervened to save the egyptians from complete catastrophy...The name of the Nation should be "ISRAEL ALONE..."
Think up a new line Natalie. This crap about Israel killing more people than any other nation is stupid at best, when Muslims have murdered almost ten million of their brothers and sisters since 1947.Maybe you just haven't heard of Iraq, Afghanistan, East Timor, Pakistan,Burma,Yemen,Gaza,Iran,Indonesia, Algeria, Sudan, Sri Lanka or Somalia?? Get a grip.
Sad to see Israel put any faith in a serial liar like Obama. Only God is on your side. If it were not so,your Nation would be doomed.
You people do understand that it is not only Israel who is asking the US Government to help? Saudia Arabia, Kuwait and UAE are as scared as Israel about Iran's Nuke Ambition because they know if and when Iran obtains the Nuke they will start dicatating to everyone in the Middle East who is boss and basically the Saudis' Kuwait's and the UAE are Sunni Muslims which were always the boss and elite of the Middle East, Iran is Shiite and Unfortunately Mr. Bush's office did not read there history books before basically giving the Shiite's Iraq instead of it being a Sunni. What do you people think the Iran-Iraq war was all about.
The sooner Israel rids herself of dependence on the United States or any other country to defend it from those who seek to destroy her the better. Does it take a gentile to tell the nation of Israel that the Almight is on your side? Read your own scriptures. ALL of Israel's enemies will be destroyed, utterly, totally, and finally. Israel, start acting like the chosen people that you are. Your obligation is the Lord, not the world.
"Israel has killed more civilians than any other nation 2006 - present." [ND] Not even close. Hardly a week goes by without big bombs going off in public places in Iraq and Pakistan. Congo is murdering civilians at the rate of 40,000 per year, with a rape every 30 seconds.
First off do not ever and I mean ever blame Israel for 9/11. What about UK, France, Spain, Russia are they also vicitims of terrorism because of there support towards Israel? I do not think so. Secondly, your comparison to the Soviet Union and the USA during the Cold War is not correct. The Cold War was two very huge countries with each having more then 300 Mil population. If Soviet Union nuked NY the USA would nuke Moscow, Then you still would of had Washington, Chicago, LA, Seattle, Denver, Miami and so on. The Soviets would have Kiev, Leningrad, Ektaninberg, Chelyabinsk, Minsk, Odessa, Get the picture? Here you have what a country just a little bit bigger then New York City with half of the population, So if Israel gets nuked there is no more Israel and even if Israel launches 10 nukes in return then Tehran would get hit, But Iran would still stay and be around. But, Iran could wipe off Israel with 1 Nuke, They do not need 200 Nukes.
have Europe in range not just Israel. Israel haters do not care about anything except succes for their ideological peccadillos
there is no agreement on a solution. Planet Earth are perfectly happy with Iran having a peaceful civilian nuclear power programme that Iran is entitled to as a signatory of the NPT. However, Planet Earth want this to be verifiable so as to ensure Irans nuclear technology is not weaponised. Israel is alone in wanting Iran not to have access to any nuclear technology at all, in any circumstances, ever. So in that sense Israel does stand alone. Unfortunately for Israel the Iraq option is not on the table, and so as seen last week Netanyahu has to agree to what Planet Earth is proposing to do in the hope that International pressure at least keeps iran from achieving parity with Israel. But essentially it is a done deal, and Iran is starting to fullfil it's side of the bargain by allowing greater inspections and controls to satisfy the International comunity that it does not intend to weaponise the knowledge it already holds.
Attack Iran and see what you get back.
Perhaps Bibi doesn't understand that you can't slap us in the face with new construction and then expect us to do your bidding. Won't happen. Don't even ask.
Natallie, I generally agree with your posts but the opening of this one perpetuates a myth. When the Russian Prime Minister said "We will bury you," the sense of the phrase is "We will outlast you, you will die before we do" without any implicatation of a threat. "I buried my parents last week" does not imply that I killed them. For the rest of your reply, I agree with you completely.
The Netanyahu government has isolated Israel by a barrage of propaganda and deliberate offense. Netanyahu does not intend to isolate Israel, that is just a side-effect of his program to stay in power by manipulating the perceptions of Israelis. His propaganda plays upon the premise that the entire world is out to 'get' Israel and that there is an imminent threat of annihilation. The combination of feelings of profound victimization and the belief that the world is about to destroy Israel are potent tools for a demagogue.
I?ve made this comment before but it never was posted; I guess because it was presented as a warning to Israel: The US guaranteeing Israel?s security is a frightening proposition. As an American I would like to warn all Israeli?s that the US government can not even stop the flow of Illegal immigrants across its southern border. This has been going on now for decades and has reached crisis?s levels that threatens the security of the US. Now I ask all Israeli?s; can you trust another country with your security, especially one that can not protect or control its own borders?
... until Jan 20, 2013z"
Ask Vietnam, Cambodge what do they think about US support.
Question - Does Israel stand alone against Iran? Answer _ yes, pretty much, and it stands alone on almost everything else right now, because nobody in the international community wants to stand next to Lieberman, Shas and Bibi, just like nobody wants to stand next to Hamas.
Kruschev said to Americans, "We will bury you". The threat was very real and the fate of the world hung in a balance. An entire generation grew up under the cloud of a nuclear attack. In comparison, Iran presents no real threat. Israel would use any opportunity to turn the world against Israels enemies. Yes, Israel does have enemies. When you invade a land, oppress and isolate the inhabitants, and grow without limit beyond your borders, you make enemies. Israel is the real problem in the mideast, not Iran. Israel already has 200 nuclear bombs. Israel is not a signatory to the NPT. Israel has the largest and most modern air force in the region, one of the largest in the world. Israel has killed more civilians than any other nation 2006 - present. Osama named Israel, and American support of Israel as motivation for the 9/11 attacks. Why does America give billions annually in free weapons to Israel, a major weapons dealer?