(CNN) Elise Labott - "We are stuck in an impossible situation," one senior Israeli official said. "If we endorse Obama's message or publicly encourage him to act, we are seen as weak or trying to drag America into a war it doesn't need for Israel's sake. If we stay on the sidelines, we are not seen as being supportive enough in calling for action." "We totally do believe the international community, led by the United States, should do something because not acting is a signal to like-minded dictators they can act with impunity. But we want them to do it because it is a moral imperative for the world, not for our sake. We have always said we don't rely on anyone for our security and can take care of ourselves." Israeli officials said the delay in acting against Syria is raising questions about Obama's stated commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "The psychological barrier has been broken, these weapons are being used on a periodic basis," another senior Israeli official said. "So what does President Obama do when the information comes that the Iranians are making a breakout? This is what is on people's minds."
2013-09-04 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive