Report: Barak says Iran is not existential threat to Israel
Defense minister's remarks seem to depart from recent statements made by Israeli leaders.
By Reuters Tags: Ehud Barak Iran Israel news Iran nuclearDefense Minister Ehud Barak was quoted on Thursday as saying he does not view Iran as a threat to Israel's existence, a view that would seem to depart from Israeli statements of the recent past.
Israel's mass-circulation Yedioth Ahronoth daily quoted Barak, the head of Israel's centre-left Labour party, as saying "Iran does not constitute an existential threat against Israel."
In response to a question about Tehran's nuclear program which Israel has said it sees as destined to produce atomic weapons that could put its existence at risk, Barak said in an interview with the paper: "I am not among those who believe Iran is an existential issue for Israel."
Barak said "Israel is strong, I don't see anyone who could pose an existential threat," although he did add that he viewed Iran as a challenge to the whole world.
Israeli leaders have repeatedly said they view Iran's atomic development as a threat, pointing at President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's calls for the Jewish state to be wiped off the map, and support for groups seeking Israel's destruction.
Iran insists its nuclear program is solely intended for energy production.
Western countries have sought to toughen sanctions against Iran, alongside efforts at dialogue by U.S. President Barack Obama, in an attempt to pressure Iran to halt its nuclear development.
Israel is assumed to possess the only atomic arsenal in the Middle East.
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It appears that at least 70% of the intellectuals out there understand that Iran does not pose any open threat unless they are themselves attacked. In that case they will respond as any nation would. Further the IAEA has stated and all indications are showing that Irans nuclear program is not related to arms. The Iranian President did not call for Israel to be wiped off the map as glamorised by the media but he did state that in the end the zionist regime would fall because of it's evil ways. Be logical, Iran poses no immediate threat as glamorized in western media and some Middle East publications. Let's hope that these nations work truly towards a peaceful
Barak spoke the truth. For anyone to think Iran poses a treat to Israel they need to get their facts straight Iran vs. Israel. (1) Israel already has by all estimates 200 to 500 nuclear weapons; (2) Israel is considered the be the 4th most military power in the world. Iran by contrast has no nuclear weapons and spends less than 1% of its GDP on its military. Iran is surrounded by nuclear power states as well as the U.S. military bases. The last thing we need is another stupid war in the Middle East and a war with Iran would be catastrophic for all, including no doubt Israel and Israel knows this.
considering what he says is true, and will remain true into the foreseeable future; it may actually be his honest assessment. barak can be a bit of an individual at times, and frequently expresses views and opinions that are contrary to the "bandwagon" rhetoric. but you're right, he possibilities you mention are very real; especially the latter one.
and it's refreshing to finally see some realism expressed by a member of the israeli government.
And if Israel chooses to preemptively bomb Iran? Same question, mano, what happens then?
Barak is right, If Iran would happen to send a atomic bomb to Israel, many things would hapen IPSO FACTO: The whole world will retaliet, fire will rain over them, oil will stop flowing from the gulf, $200+ a barrel and rationed. And that is just the beginning. What a nighmare. Does Mahmoud have a 100 meters deep bunker to be safe?
As much as the israeli`s will like to ignore the Iranian threat they are and will always be such athreat as long as Iran has a group of religious fanatics leading it to the abiss. Israel was created to avoid the repeatition of what happend in the first part of the 20th century in which the european Jews were the actors in a play,in which they were slautered and could do very little about it.Times have changed Israeli`s will stand up and defend themselves and the jews even if it mean a premptive strike on its enemies.
Either the Isreali government has decided that the military option to stop the nuclear program in Iran is not possible & it is preparing the public opinion for this radical change in policy by trying to minimize reasons for fear & rejection. Or Barak may be trying to lull the Iranian leaders into believing that military action is not in Israel intentions while covertly preparing for a surprising one.
Barak is wrong in his assessment. The fact is nukes in the hands of Islamist-Jihadist Fanatics-the Ayatollahs is dangerous for Israel, the region and the world.
If I a,m not wrong, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has called for the Zionist government to be wiped out, not Israel.