The message is clear: Israel must not strike Iran

I follow the news regarding middle east politics likely more than most of my fellow Americans. I have not seen major rush to attack Iran in the Israeli press or government. Barak has emphatically stated that the position of the current government is to utilize sanctions and diplomacy. He is repeating the Obama/Hillary mantra. If anything, the bombast and dangerous bravado is coming from Iranian quarters, not Israel. This article is rather bizarre.

As I mentioned in Part 1, the bombings will not rally the majority who oppose the government, however, the consequences will be a far more severe crack-down on opposition and a huge increase in suicide bombings against U.S. and Israeli targets. Bombing of the facilities will be equivalent of whipping a tiger and sitting back and wait. The only solution for Iran and consequently for Israel and the rest of the world is 1- a multi-lateral, multi-facet help for the opposition. It starts with a severe propaganda campaign, via all possible venues in Iran and around the world. Taking any diplomatic and behind-the-scenes measures in stopping Chinese and Russians helping Iranian Government. 2- Help creating a credible and independent opposition leadership for the movement. NOT A PUPPET ONE, BUT A SECULAR AND INDEPENDENT ONE. 3- Provide weapons to Iranian people. THE ONLY WAY TO RID THE DANGER OF THE IRI ARMED WITH NUCLEAR WEAPON IS TO KILL IT, THROUGH THE OPPOSITION!!!

To Israeli Government From A Concerned Iranian-American: I love Iran, I love United States, and I love Israel!!! A great majority of Iranian people are in desperate need of foreign intervention for their cause. That's why since June election, most of their signs are in English. The demonic government of Iran is ALREADY blaming the oppositions as the agents of foreign powers, Israel, and United States. Therefore, the profit seeking Europeans, Russians, and Chinese must shut their mouths and try not to scare United States, Israel, and the rest of progressive people around the world in support of Iranian people. I completely disagree with bombing of the facilities for reasons far different from those profit seekers, such as "the french diplomat" or foolish and naive professors. Iranian people will never side with this government at this stage regardless of who the enemy of this government is and the methods they use against them. NEVER!!!.... to be continued

what If you're neighbor watched your parents get murdered by a bunch of menacing thugs, then later denied it ever happened. Then this neighbor told your whole neighborhood in various town meetings and in print through the local paper that it was their mission to singularly annihilate your remaining family and they planned to burn your house to the ground. This neighbor also pays a few local bullies to beat up your kids in school to the point of beating one of your children to death. when this neighbor sets your house on fire would you be surprised?

1) Israel has nukes...but does not use them...2) Iran gets (or has) nukes...but does not use them. And before you start citing Ahmadinijad's outrageous rhetoric about "destroying Israel", I might point out the Khrushchev's made much the same threat to the US but never dared to push the button.

what's your solution to iran then? if no one should bomb their nuke sites, and they are unwilling to stop their nuke weaponization, then what should be done? what is YOUR solution "Dr"? I love the left...all talk, no solutions.

I have made a short subject documentary in the hope that strategic nuclear war, beginning with a strike against Iran, might be avoided. I hope very much that readers of this article will see the film on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqXSVh5a30s

israel do not strike iran if iran strike fisrt,iran strike with rudal his strike to usa base in middle east,in usa army and nato army in iraq and aghanistan you have save in strike iran,but like hiszbulah,jihad islam,hamas and suriah and mesir or arab saudi support like turkey you have alert if you strike iran and war you have dificcult in you ally like usa or uk you preparing any time you army if attack in south,north or middlle and the sea,you must 4 prepare one prepare you unit intelijen counrty like jordan suriah lebanon and mesir,2 prepare your ground force regular force and special force,3training reserve force tuh backing town if regular force defeat,4you option strike bye force if you lose country(nuke) pakistan have nuke iran do have if iran or pakistan join force you ally with india if turkey strike you,you alyy ukraina or yunani to strike to iraq and aghanistan you have ally,wait and see training resesve and milisi you weapon like gun have much in depot

it is untrue that there is great opposition to Ahmadinejad within iran. it was simply highlighted and exaggarated on media. problem today with israel is that it has no option to cope with Iran's nuclear program. israeli govt is desperat as facing opposition from israeli people on gaza and settlement issue. world is also cursing israel and financially USA is not in condition to afford an other offensive in middle east.Attacking iran may also cause Pakistan's opposition to war on terror which US cant afford as well. blackwater is laso busy in Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iraq. so there is no power to help israel in war against Iran and israel can only fight against weaponless, stone throwing people not against strong and professional army.

The notion that an attack will make Iranians rally behind the Mullas is, as we say it in Hindi, "kaam na karne ke bahane" (excuse to avoid doing the obvious right!) I think the Iranians will hate their government even more for bringing home "another defeat", "another disgrace", that too from a country that never fired a bullet at Iran all these years. You can also drop some 1 million DVD's explaining your point to the persians.

As an Iranian, I can say with full confidence that Iran would never attack any country unless it is attacked. If you think about it, any nuclear strike on Israel by Iran is also a strike on the Palestinians, Lebanese, Jordanians and Syrians. Such an attack would almost immediatley unite the entire region against Iran. Israel must calm down and stop getting Iranian nightmares. I don't support the Iranian regime, but I know how they think and as much as they might sound anti semetic and threatning towards your country....they are not the problem. If you want to be scared my dear Israeli friends, then you should focus on Pakistan. This country does have a nuclear bomb as well as an unstable government which might collapse under the hands of the Taliban....and what would a taliban government with nuclear weapons mean? It would mean the end of Israel and the entire region. Wake up Israel and smell the real threat.

So what should we do- asks Levy- make peace with the Pals and Syrians - because that is where the pressure is...has oh so bright Mr Levy ever thought that this pressure is intentional - that it has been sustained to demine - demoralise and demonize us. That peace will never be attained. Mr Levy is the ultimate in left wing education...so blinded by his own morals- so important to himself- that he would sell anyone and anything to feel better about himself.That is what the Pals and Arabs always wanted. They know we are westerners- they know that westerners hold their morality higher than the lives of their kids.,,they know that we are hypocrites.. and that we do not value justice..we value COMFORT...and living in Israel is just darned uncomfortable isn't it Levy. So yes....if you manage to make a peace that leaves Israel intact-- then I'll follow--along with Snow White and Little Red Riding Hood.Just lead the way...until then expect comfort and peace of mind somewhere else.

And what if Kennedy had blinked regarding Russian nuclear missiles in Cuba? What if he had resorted to long, drawn-out diplomacy and sanctions? The missiles would still be there and aimed at the U.S. The U.S. would have lived under the shadow of nuclear intimidation 90 miles from her shore. Why should Israel be less willing to live under the very REAL THREAT of nukes from Iran. Clearly diplomacy and other methods are not working and Iran will go nuclear soon and be in a position to fulfill their threats against Israel. Clearly , the world cares little what happens to Israel as long as they get their oil !

our own problems and we're broke. If the American Jews want to go over and fight that's fine with me. But, I'm sure it'll be like with the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. For the most part they'll just stay here and egg on the fight. I don't know any American who'll go fight for Israel at this point. Israel is mistaking America's backing when it's just a lot of politicians pandering for the Jewish vote.

It is difficult for me to believe thay you, of all people, would subscribe to the mistranslation of Ahmedinejad's words. However, Iran has promised that it would cause massive damage to Israel if attacked.

The assumption is that Israel does not seek a strong, dangerous enemy. I think Israel does seek that. She needs an authentic external threat.

You are very brave and superb, Mr Levy. The warmongers in Israel and the US want distractions.

That is basically the worst article I have ever read. - Super-Senior European Diplmat

AMEN. SHALOM.

It really doesn't matter to the Netanyahu government who they attack. They want a war and anyone will do.

When I look at the passion and efforts in the Western mainstream media and politics, to demonize Iran, I'm rather pessimistic, so this article is a nice exception. The idea, that Iran could attack Israel is bizarre for me. I'm a little bit familiar with Shia Islam and these people feel threatened themselves, there is no offensive Jihad in Shia Islam. Shia Islam is defensive, but opposed to oppression and of cause the oppression of the Palestinian people can be presented by the regime also for selfish propagandistic reasons. But this position will not translate into some kind of genocidal attack with a nuclear bomb, which would be regardes as un-Islamic by the Shia clerics. The notorious "I want to wipe Israel from the map" statement was never made. It was a wrong translation of a general religious statement, that oppressive regimes (!) disappear from the pages of history (because God opposes oppression). There was not even a hint of Iranian attack.

as brokered by the US. The so called 'open hand' of Barack Obama. For those who think deposing Ahmadinejad and his backers will end Irans nuclear programme: "The discussions in Geneva were really surprising and if the promises given (to the West) are realised then the hard work of thousands of scientists would be ruined." Mousavi Mousavi and Rafsanjani joined together to oppose a decision by Ayatollah Khomeini to end the nuclear program that had been started by the Shah. Iran will become a nuclear power. It will only definitely become a nuclear weaponised power...after an attack.

This message would be a lot clearer if it included the name and nationality of its source, not to mention his reason for continuing to visit Iran since he is no longer ambassador there. There is no historical evidence to support Levy's claim that losing a war will make an unpopular regime less unpopular. The Israeli government has done and will continue to do everything possible to avoid war with Iran. However, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards continue to escalate their warmongering aggression against Israel. If an Israeli self-defence operation becomes necessary it will trigger an democratic uprising by the Iranian people to leave the mullah Dictatorship where it belongs: in the dustbin of history.

Such extraordinary,wonderful logic. There is just one, minor, inconsequential factor missing - and that is the Iranian leaders' repeated threats to annihilate the Jewish, or Zionist State.

i do not think, israel should attack iran, but neither is the "ambassadors" stance any correct. what this former ambassador to iran is recommending (doing nothing), is what every dictator has been dreaming of since world is turning. history has shown, that this "strategy" doesnt work out. such aggressors have to be stopped asap. they mustnt have the chance to prepare plans and build up their network of evil within and outside the country. every day counts. who does have to stop them ? the international community, not a single country. ahmedinedschad is hitler, imo. how could the nazis have been stopped ? not by words, not by embargos etc. only by weapons-force on the whole country. the (probably also) terrible effects of stopping an aggressor, are caused by him alone. the only question with iran is: WHEN to strike.

Why the breast-beating and teeth-gnashing over the possibility that Israel might strike Iran, when Iran publicly calls for the destruction of Israel and privately arms terror organizations that try to carry this goal out? Isn't it hypocritical to identify Israel's actions and ONLY Israel's actions as provocative, escalatory, aggressive, unnecessarily bellicose, etc.?

such result cannot be predicted. it would require very extensive and accurate intelligence work. if there are large numbers of people who strongly oppose the present regime, then an attack which is careful and surgical would benefit the opposition. although the opposition is not necessarily pro-western, it might evolve after a successful revolution.

israel does not occupy any land in iran. iran has no legitimate reason whatever to fight proxy wars against israel.

For once I tend to agree with Gideon Levy, because any war , just or unjust, always unites countrymen behind their leaders (the Germans did behind Hitler, and other examples in history). However, the risk still remains that Iran does develop its nukes and use them against Israel. So, my question is , which is the best of a bad bargain: to wait and see what Iran does and risk their sudden attack on Israel, and pay the price of big damage and loss of lives before reacting, or take defensive action ( meaning, somehow destroy their nuke factories) in response to Iran declaration to wipe out Israel ? Only the Israeli military can answer that. Not Gideon, nor any talkbacker, nor certainly myself. Still, If I were the Israeli PM, I would not attack but i would prepare for the forthcoming Iranian attack through their proxies Hizbolah and Syria, and then give them all Israel can, justifiably. Very risky, but not much choice.

Anyone who uses the phrase... 'cherchez le femme', must be at least 80 years old. The advise this diplomat suggests is as ancient and behind the times... as he is. Yeah... an attack on Iran is not prudent. But not because the Iranians need to find their feminine side. Instead, it's because... no one can deny the Green movement has shown resiliency. And now, controlling the Iranian population has become a monster of a workload. It seems to me, these days the revolution is not the question. It's the timing of the spark to ignition... that's simply unpredictable. I'd like to go by an exiled Iranian, who said recently... 'a revolution appears illusionary... until the moment of explosion'.

It is a fact that Israel is surrounded by countries who want back their land. Justice also demands so. The fact is that the israeli have not ready any book on the disappearance of GREAT POWERS, and so it is convinced there will never be any change in the relative strength of the parties. PS the US and Israel are surrounding Iran and have been threatening for a very long time. and so they do in North Korea. They did the same on Iraq, Vietnam and others. Do you watch the news? Or you watch Berlusca's TV?

This unknown diplomat is of course right. Israel thinks first of attacking a perceived enemy. Iran has invaded nobody. It's the old old policy of inventing an outside enemy to avoid tackling internal problems. Look how it has succeeded - the Israeli govt has managed to unite the country against Iran (without any evidence of their intent to develop a nuclear bomb). As the diplomat says, if Israel shows itself a real enemy of Iran, it will unite the country behind Ahmadinejad.

"Attack on Iranian nuclear sites would splinter the Mullahs" The Iranian opposition ALSO opposed the American inspired nuclear exchange offer to avert sanctions. ie they don't trust the Americans! Get real, even without Ahmadinejad Iran is destined to become a nuclear power. Without weapons perhaps, but post military strikes with weapons NO DOUBT!

how interesting, that his country sent especially him coward to iran as an ambassador. him, who preeches never to do anything, not to react on ..err...yes - who ? ..i replaced the word "iran" by "aggressor". then for a second, i was wondering, if he had recommended the same ("do nothing") when he had been assigned to germany some 70 years ago... btw: i do not understand, that he recommends making peace with syria. when asked, what israel should do, he replies according his motto with a no-answer (=zero contents information).

Well well... Of course any Israeli action would be most annoying, increasing Oil prices, making a mess of Europe's limp recovery from the asset price crisis, and also showing up Europe complete helplessness in the real world. Europe has largely disarmed, the US is pulling out of the ME, and they are all scared sh...less of the Arabs in their midst. All good reasons to parachute arms to the Iranians wanting to overthrow the Mullahs, AND take out the Iranian nuclear programme. However everything must be done in a highly public manner, to destroy but also to humiliate the nazi Iranian leadership.

only psychiatrists can decipher these mumblings. The proposal to sit by and appease murderers out of weakness brings about nothing but wiping off the map, one Gush Katiff at a time. Could be this diplomat has best Israel interests at heart... but your "broken phone" kind of paraphrase is humiliating both own IQ and your polishinel. On the whole I have to admit, my misgivings of Levy's agenda were proved wrong. The culprit of this author lack of passion and devoid of substance is Haaretz HR ( well... they took in one with better spelling score )

Gidon Shalom, I am unconvinced that the analysis is correct, If I understand you correctly your basic premis is that Tehran is only reacting to a western/israeli threat. This in my humble opinion is a blantant non truth. Iran clearly states imperialist aims, (it really doesnt matter if it is in religious or geo political language.) The only thing that I can agree with you on is that Israel probably are not the country to react but not because of the reaction within Iran... Ahmindejad has proven he has no problem dealing with popular movements against his regime and will not have any problems in the future.Rather Israel simply does not have the ability to pull this off. Iran has for many years being trying to destabalise relationships between the west and moderate arab states and will continue to do this. The only question is are we scared or do we think that Iran is just a mosquito that is more a inconvience than a threat.Hmmm what do you think gidon?

What is your point?Iran is not surrounded by neighbours bent on her destruction.

Rule number one: Any Middle East country that attempts to intimidate Israel must be beaten to a pulp. Rule number two: always remember rule number one. And now there is Iran, and it is attempting to stare down Israel. And here is Israel, just itching to "Rule one" Iran. And there is Netanyahu, facing the dreadful prospect that, just maybe, Israel will be biting off more than it can chew. What to do? What to do? Every cell in Bibi's zionist body is urging him to: Attack! Attack! Attack! Attack! But the grey matter is telling him: What if Israel isn't be up to the task? The old saying is true: the Jewish nation only has the one state. Perhaps best not to risk it, heh, on this one throw of the dice. After all, the really good gambler is the one who knows when to fold....

the Iranian election was rigged has been well drummed into caucasians. The problem is, the evidence contradicts this belief (you can check with two American groups who have a track record of running accurate public opinion polls in many countries, including Iran, Terror Free Tomorrow, who's board includes the 9/11 commissioners, and University of Maryland's World Public Opinion, and see that Iranians support their government in much the same way Israelis support theirs, and even most of Mousavi's supporters don't buy the line that the election was anything other than fair)

trust the word of an enemy state-(Egyptian peace treaty)not worth the paper it was written on.They keep the peace with Israel so as not to ruin their tourism industry,hence their hate for the Hamas leadership in Gaza,another threat to their tourism industry.

why does israel always adopt the policy of attacking others when there r other ways in store to achieve goals. in my view israel always drags people to the only field that they know they r strong at,& that is war.but what does anyone achieve after war even a kid in third class knows that but who will listen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Of course an attack would unite the nation behind Ahmadinejad and mullahs. In cases like that, nationalist feelings come first. In this case it may be both national and religious feelings. The whole nation would beg Ahma to retaliate, to become a national hero. It is relatively easy for the US to retaliate for an Iranian attack on Israel should that come first, and almost impossible if this was an answer to an Israeli attack which a hundred thousand Iranians. Only an idiot can think otherwise.

The so called Ambassador no doubt is correct. No doubt the people of Iran will rise up. However, the current regime has taken severe steps already. Many more opposition members will be executed. War with Iran will no doubt destabilize the ME. Then again, the regime cares not a hoot. As usual, a good article by Gideon Levy. FREEDOM for the great people of Iran. Good day.

Partial answer from net: PeaceSeeds. It would help if Netanyahu did some 'promoting' as in the last quote. Others too, yet the best place to start is oneself. And make not Allah by your swearing (by him) an obstacle to your doing good and guarding (against evil) and making peace between men, and Allah is hearing and knowing. - Islam Qur'an 2.224 Do you want long life and happiness? Strive for peace with all your heart. Christianity & Judaism - Psalm 34: 12, 14 King James Version "Through what can the Empire be settled? Through unity. Who can unite it? One who is not fond of killing." - Confucianism Mencius 1.A.6 Blessed are the peacemakers; for they shall be called the children of God. Christianity - Matthew 5:9 - King James Version How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good tidings, who publishes peace. - Judaism - Isaiah 52:7 (partial verse) The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace. Judaism Talmud, Gittin 59b

Israel: Attack / Wait / use other means ? ......................................... Such a decision should NOT be made by ignorant INCOMPETANTS such as gideon levy, nor should they be made by known/UNknown European 'diplo-cowards'. U-N-B-E-L-IEVABLE that gideon levy, IGNORANT of military, technical, considerations should add his UNinformed voice to the noise. Fortunately the the PM, IDF , Israeli intelligence will pay NO attention to the "braying" (for G.L.: "bray" - the sound of a donkey) ; Hopefully, a strategic, well thought out plan will be pondered by the Israeli establishment. moshe

Does the Talmud say anything on peace?

Mullahs hope judicial sharia terror as set in Goldstone Report per Int'l Law criteria paralyse western actions against Iran nuke .

he has not been threatened with war nor fought in one in hundreds of years. yet his neutrality has been a charade. he is always leaning toward money.

The answer, of course is no. The ignorant will disagree, but properly educated people know this is absolutely true.

...but having said that, a lot of skeletons would come out of the closet in the event of an Israeli attack upon Iran. If Israel thinks that they have faced world criticism before, just wait and see. Israel already has hands deep in Americas pockets. Most Americans don't notice, because those hands have been there for so long that Americans think they belong there. When Americans start paying a couple dollars more per gallon of gas though, Israel will have American scrutiny as never before. People that can't even find Israel on the map would be crying out for retribution. Most of all, Americans would certainly notice those Israeli hands in their pockets and take steps to remove them.

Gideon would rather wait for iran to go nuclear and then slip a small device to a surrogate who then brings it into Israel and fries thousands of Jews...sorry Gideon....the Talmud says when someone comes to kill you you kill them first.

he ends this sounding like a teenager taunting the rivals at the school in the next city

Israel can make all the dry run exercises for striking iran,but when it comes to acual attack Israel has to get her green light from the USA that I doubt it would give and if Israel wanted to attack Iran it would have done it without anouncing it in advance like they did in Iraq.

I am not an Iranian neither an Israeli. So impressive by the thoughtful article. Never knew Israeli media can write so constructive article.

. . . if their big buddy in North America does it for them. Which is entirely possible. It's the United States, not Israel, that keeps putting itself in positions that more or less dare Iran to attack. Sooner or later there will be an accident. Or a Maine- or Gulf-of-Tonkin-style "accident." Besides, Obama needs a war he can call his own.

Israel couldn't get Hezbollah or Hamas to bend to its will by attacking them, so what on earth makes anyone think that Iran will? Have you looked at a map of the world and noticed how vast Iran is compared to, say, Gaza, which Israel tried but failed to subdue? Do some Israelis actually believe in the fatuous and self-serving notion that by attacking Iran "the people" will rise up and overthrow their oppressors, and thank Israel for "saving" them? Too much believing in the old sing-song that because most Iranians hate the regime it's just a matter of time until they overthrow it. There are many examples to the contrary. And, like it or not, Iran is becoming one of them. Maybe some country can influence events there in a positive direction, but Israel is not one of them. Israel better not overplay its already-weak hand.

Great read. Thanks

It was the Iranian president who said, Israel should be "wiped off the face of the map." But I suppose, like his nuclear ambitions, Ahmadinejad didn't really mean it, right?

Have you been living under a rock?

What a shame...

Probably Guldimann from Switzerland. His term was 1999 to 2004, so it could have been him. He represented US interests in Iran so he would have seen the sort of things that are talked about here. But it could have been someone else. Guldimann fits and his dates fit.

"Make peace with Syria and the Palestinians, to undermine Iran's threats." Great solution! why didn't the rest of us think of that!! Peace, of course with the palestinians. That should be no problem at all....I hope my sarcasm was clear, it sometimes gets lost in writing. It seems painfully obvious that while the ideal of peace is fantastic Israel has been working on it for 50 years.

Its always good to know that there are Israelis who think and understand real life. Iran wouldn't bomb your country knowing they would kill the Palestinian people. It would defeat what they want to accomplish. If Iran bombed Israel the world would flatten it. If Israel creates Palestine and acted as "just" as it claims it did in Haiti the world would actually see the good in your country.

An Israeli attack on Iranian the nuclear sites maintained by IRGC would give the Iranian resistance more power and greater support. An attack with civilian casualties would have the opposite effect. The Iranian resistance is looking for an attack to gain common support, to show that Israel and the West are involved in their destiny through more than words.

in the middle east pressure cooker! All I see Israel doing is welding the valve shut and increasing the heat. Israel and the world needs more Gideon Levy's!.....PEACE EVER?

did i miss something that indicated israel had shown any genuine indication of attacking iran? this is quite a ridiculous article.

The Israeli government is playing "Let's you and him fight" and thinking the US will jump in and rescue them. We probably won't, and we shouldn't. There is no good reason for us to go to war in Iran, and if Israel picks a fight, Israel should be prepared to fight it. That's Israel's approach to US wars. Fair is fair.

Like all so called "Diplomats" the writer presumes to know the type of attack Bebe is planning. Be assured, it will NOT be from the air, but it will be with a "plausible denial" portion that will be accepted by those who wish to believe and not by those who wish to accuse Israel. And the result will last far more than the "two years" he presumes. It will be followed by a message: "That was one." Think about it.

...and it simply confirms what I have written here for years. This constant saber-rattling on Israel's part is "unhelpful" to put it in diplomatic parlance. And as well as the known consequences the day after an attack for Israel would be, the unintended consequences could quite likely prove completely disastrous.

interests of shia entity in Tehran.

Their advice - bare your neck in case the "opposition" is successful in overthrowing the heavily equipt and funded Revolutionary Guard. My advice - ask the 11 protesters due to be executed "soon" how the government overthrow is going. The Iranian leadership needs the bomb to be viewed as a superpower. Not just a regional power, but as Amadjihadi just said, Iran wants to be the leader of the ME which he thinks is center of the world. The fact that the world opposes his dream is only seen as an obstacle not a reason to abandon it. How else would anyone expect a failing society, (read western), react to the new kid on the block?

"So what do we do, the Israeli listener may ask himself" Simple. D-e-v-e-l-o-p- a-n-t-i-m-i-s-s-i-l-e d-e-f-e-n-s-e. Fund it. Build it. Develop it with allied countries (e.g. USA) and share/sell the technology with other vulnerable countries like India. The author is correct about the futility of attacking Iran up until the final four paragraphs, and then the rest of the article is nonsense. Israel cannot make peace because THERE IS NO ONE THAT ISRAEL CAN PRESENTLY MAKE PEACE WITH. Given the circumstances, and the lack of an attack option (not just for Israel, but for America also), the only viable strategy is to (i) develop an impenetrable defense, (ii) strengthen Israel's undeclared nuclear "triangle", (iii) gain as much information about Iran's capabilities and intentions as possible by working with countries like the United States who are equally interested in Iran.