Is Israeli Strike on Iran Just Weeks Away?
Reading Latest TeaLeaves
Posted: August 14, 2012
Yes, it is possible that Israeli leaders could be bluffing. Yes, it is
also possible that they are simply trying to pressure the U.S. and
international community to take more decisive action to neutralize the
Iranian nuclear threat. But reading the latest tea leaves, I
believe evidence is rapidly mounting that this could really be it —
Israel could be just days or weeks away from a massive preemptive strike
against Iran.
I believe there are significant changes in the way Israeli leaders are
speaking about the possibility of war. One fact that has particularly
caught my attention in the last 24 hours is that Deputy Foreign Minister
Danny Ayalon is telling reporters that it is time for the world to admit
that diplomacy has not worked, and that Iran only has “weeks” and not
“months” to cease nuclear activity. To be clear: I’m still praying for
the peace of Jerusalem and the epicenter everyday, as we are
commanded in Psalm 122:6. I’m not advocating war. I would be so glad if
Israel and/or the world could find a way to neutralize Iran without
violence and bloodshed. But I don’t want to see a Second Holocaust
either, and that’s surely what Israel would be facing if Iran gets the
Bomb. I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu believes he is out of
other options, and it’s clear to him thus far that the Obama
administration is not going to act decisively to prevent Iran from
getting the Bomb in time. There could be numerous detours on the journey
in the days and weeks ahead. But unless something dramatic changes
quickly, I believe that everyone in the corridor between Tel Aviv and
Tehran are on the verge of a massive and imminent war.
As you know, I spent two weeks in Israel in July, meeting with
The Joshua Fund staff there and
many of our key allies. Then, before leaving Washington, I also held two
full days of meetings with our senior staff to evaluate our 2012 and
2013 budgets, and reassess our war preparations. I can report to you
that we are doing everything we possibly can to be prepared for what is
coming, by God’s grace. It won’t be easy. There will be many surprises
and enormous challenges, I’m sure. But we’ve been praying and planning
and organizing and training and building alliances since 2006 for this
moment, and we’re deeply grateful for your prayers and financial
support. Please keep praying for Israel and her neighbors and for The
Joshua Fund as we approach these very dark days ahead.
Here are the latest significant developments:
Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Asks Nations to Say Iran Talks Have
Failed — “Asked how long the Iranians should be given to cease all
nuclear activity, Mr. Ayalon said ‘weeks, and not more than that.’”
(NYT)
PM: If Iran goes nuclear, it may actually use bomb — “In a
television interview last week, Netanyahu said that he sees ‘the
regime of the ayatollahs declaring what it has etched on its
banner – to destroy us. It is working to destroy us, and is preparing
atom bombs to destroy us. As much as it is dependent on me, I will
not let that happen.’”
New intelligence reveals Iranian military nuclear program advancing
faster than previously thought
Ambassador Oren: Israel’s clock on Iran ‘ticking faster’ than Obama’s —
In an interview to MSNBC, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren
says five months of diplomacy on the Iranian nuclear program ‘haven’t
worked.’
US didn’t foresee 9/11, officials in Jerusalem say, after White House
claims it would know if Iran was about to get the bomb
Netanyahu: Threats to home front are ‘dwarfed’ by danger of a nuclear
Iran
Israeli officials say: “We have entered the phase of strategic
decisions”
Barak: New U.S. intelligence report raises urgency over Iran’s nuclear
program
Iran’s atomic project getting harder to foresee: Barak
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