(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Amos Yadlin and Avner Golov - The most important Israeli interest in the context of an American attack is the unequivocal clarification that there is a high price to pay for the use of nonconventional weapons. From a broader perspective, it is important for Israel that the U.S. reestablish its strategic influence in the Middle East and improve its credibility and deterrence in the region, which have eroded over the past three years. Restoring American deterrent power would strengthen the standing of U.S. allies, including Israel, in the struggle between the region's moderates and radicals. In the long term, it is very important to Israel that the fighting in Syria not end in a victory for the Tehran-Damascus-Hizbullah alliance. When the civil war in Syria ends, it is important for Israel that a liberal, pro-Western state be established that abandons its Iranian patron and ceases its support for terrorist organizations. Maj.-Gen. (ret.) Amos Yadlin, a former chief of Israeli military intelligence, is director of the INSS, where Avner Golov is a researcher.
2013-09-02 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive