Why Netanyahu Backed Down

[malaise]

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/13/opinion/why-netanyahu-retreated-on-attacking-iran-soon.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0&ref=opinion
<snip>
FOR three years Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his defense minister, Ehud Barak, seemed to be united in urging an early military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. But last week that alliance collapsed, with Mr. Netanyahu accusing Mr. Barak of having conspired with the Obama administration, in talks behind his back.

The clash came as a surprise in Israel, but in hindsight, there was a prelude — the speech Mr. Netanyahu delivered a week earlier to the United Nations General Assembly. In a memorable cartoonish graphic, Mr. Netanyahu depicted a “red line” that he said Israel would not let Iran cross. But he also acknowledged that Iran would not be able to cross it until next spring or summer. In doing so, he essentially reset the urgency of his warnings and ended speculation that Israel might mount a unilateral attack on Iran before the American presidential election.

The public row with Mr. Barak illustrated the magnitude of Mr. Netanyahu’s retreat and his difficulty in explaining it. He was left with implying that he had been undermined, if not betrayed by, his own defense minister. But that was not the full story of why he had blinked.

In fact, Mr. Netanyahu’s about-face resulted from a long-building revolt by Israel’s professional security establishment against the very idea of an early military attack, particularly one without the approval of the United States.

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Now you know why he called the elections - adios Bibi.
Go Hillary! GObama!

[Cha]

1. Very Interesting..thanks, Malaise!

So happy about this as you highlighted..

"In fact, Mr. Netanyahu’s about-face resulted from a long-building revolt by Israel’s professional security establishment against the very idea of an early military attack, particularly one without the approval of the United States."

One thing mitt, ryan, and the squeaky squad of neoCons can't Lie about to cast doubt on PBO's foreign policy.

[malaise]

2. Wish I could post more

I dare Rmoney to touch this come Tuesday. Looks like Obama and Hillary have a much better relationship with Israel than ever.

[GeorgeGist]

3. I presume Obama and/or Hilary warned him ...

he wouldn't get their support.

[malaise]

4. Read both pages at link

Excellent stuff

[EmeraldCityGrl]

5. This is brilliant. Unfortunately

The average voter will not know or appreciate what Obama and Hillary
have finessed behind the scenes.

"The plain fact is that the Obama administration achieved its objective of persuading Israel to refrain from a premature attack largely without explicit or implied threats. Instead, it has built a closer relationship with Israel’s defense community, and has capitalized on it."

And to think Biden was aware of this during his debate with paully boy
while defending Obama's foreign policies regarding Israel. Argh...

[malaise]

6. I hope it comes up during the debate

I'd love to hear Rmoney's comments.