Our greatest ally in the Middle East, and perhaps the world, has finally spoken. Where would we be without the strength and resolve of Israel? Our greatest ally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Security Cabinet ministers Monday that the killing of Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani was carried out solely by the U.S. and that Israel was not involved in any way and must not be dragged into the escalating conflict, two ministers who attended the meeting told me.
Why it matter s : Like other countries in the region, Israel is concerned that Iran will retaliate against it in order to avenge the killing of Soleimani.
Since Soleimani was killed last week, Netanyahu’s office ordered Cabinet ministers not to speak to the press about the issue in order to prevent public statements that might create the impression Israel was involved in the operation.
Details: According to the two ministers who attended the meeting, Netanyahu said, “The killing of Soleimani is a U.S. event, not an Israeli event, and we should stay out of it."
Netanyahu told ministers that the only thing they can say to the media if they are asked about the Soleimani killing is that Israel supports the U.S. and its right to defend itself.
The big picture: The director of Mossad and the head of military intelligence told ministers during the meeting that for now, the probability of an Iranian retaliatory attack against Israel is low and that “Israel stayed in a distance from the incident,” ministers told me.
The intelligence chiefs told the Cabinet that Iran will start developing its retaliation on Tuesday, when the period of national mourning for Soleimani’s death is over.
It’s simple. Israel does not want its children involved at all with war. Bibi agreed with the strike. But whatever it takes to keep their sons out of war he will do. They want the US to do the fighting.
As Israel has been plotting to kill Soleimani for a while and Iran claimed to foil their latest attempt in October, I believe Netanyahu is pleased. Trump carries out Israel’s hit and draws retaliatory fire to US targets. This looks like a favor to Bibi.
How exactly did Israel benefit? They’ll most likely see an increase in terrorism and rocket attacks as promised by Iran in retaliation for his killing.
How do we benefit? Anyone down the chain of command from Solemani now knows we can and will target and kill them.
Iran has known just how far they could push the US with their terror and proxy war for forty years without a strong response from the US resulting.
They now have had the rug jerked completely out from under them and cannot predict how we are likely to respond to the next attack.
Netanyahu initially demanded his cabinet not speak to the press, but he has now directed them to say that Israel supports America and its right to defend itself — remarks that echo the statement he gave reporters on Friday.
“Qassem Soleimani is responsible for the death of American citizens and many other innocent people. He was planning more such attacks," he said last week. “President Trump deserves all the credit for acting swiftly, forcefully, decisively. Israel stands with the United States in its just struggle for peace, security, and self-defense."
That is the only actual quoted statement I can find anywhere from Netanyahu.
You don’t seem to be inclined to even acknowledge what he actually said.
Why do you refuse to accept much less admit the truth?
“Qassem Soleimani is responsible for the death of American citizens and many other innocent people. He was planning more such attacks," he said last week. “President Trump deserves all the credit for acting swiftly, forcefully, decisively. Israel stands with the United States in its just struggle for peace, security, and self-defense."
One would think that after everything Trump’s been through, he would have the sense not to trust them. But no. He seems bound and determined to prove he’s just as stubbornly stupid as the worst of his boomer cohort.
Do you think everyone here is an idiot? I think most people have taken to ignoring you based upon your past ridiculous behavior here. Some of the new people I can tell are trying to figure you out but…those of us who have been here since the beginning all know your game. So stop with the intellectual dishonesty already.
How exactly does Israel stand to benefit since they are most likely going to be on the receiving end of increased terrorist, mortar, and rocket attacks?
