The following piece, published on the
12th on Y-Net News, was written by Boaz Fyler, and shows the diversity of opinion in Israel regarding an assault on Iran:
Olmert: No reason to attack Iran now
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on
Sunday leveled harsh criticism at PM Benjamine Netanyahy and the
government's handling of the Iranian nuclear issue, claiming that
Israeli officials are buty "stirring up overblown drama."
During a meeting with students at Ono
Academic College, Olmert said that "the current situation does
not require Israeli military action – now or in the near future."
"The question is how we deal with
it. Back in 2003 they said that in 2007 Iran will have a bomb.
Now it's 2012 and there is no bomb. It didn't happen on its own,"
he noted.
Referring to the public discussion
surrounding a potential military strike in Iran, the former PM
admitted that he was very worried by recent newspaper headlines.
"This issue inflicts massive public damage to Israel. I live
among my people; I hear and see the anxiety on the faces of the
citizens. This does not contribute anything to our ability to deal
with the Iranian threat. (On the contrary) It only makes it harder."
Olmert noted that during his term in
office, "we may have faced similar issues, but we dealt with
them secretly, effectively, and without anyone saying a word – not
before me, during my time or after me.
"I suggest that we also deal with
this challenge in a restrained, responsible and discrete manner, so
that we don't sow panic or create a confrontational situation with
elements that are essential for Israel's security," he added.
Addressing the timing of a military
strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, Olmert said that "Iran is
far from reaching the threshold from which there is no way back.
Statements by which (a strike) is inevitable do not truthfully
reflect the current situation from wht is known to the security
establishment."
The former prime minister also spoke
about Israel's commitment to the United States and its interests in
the region, stating that "It would be incorrect and
irresponsible to ignore other states.
"There are those who try to create
the impression that the United State's position (on an Israeli
strike in Iran) is somewhat vague. The attempt to create overblown
drama over this matter is not wise or responsible and does not
contribute to Israel's strategic security. The relations with the US
are no less important," Olmert said.
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