Ruhe! FP 20. Aug. 2012

ynet Published Aug.15, 2012

US punched Bibi, Barak in the face
By Attila Somfalv

Analysis: Dempsey's remark regarding IDF's inability to destroy Iran's nuclear capability meant to show Israel who's boss

Once every few years Israel needs a slap in the face to remember where it stands in the world. On Tuesday it was US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey who assumed the role of the responsible adult and slapped Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, the duo orchestrating the national hysteria surrounding the possibility of an attack in Iran.

Israel can "delay but not destroy Iran's nuclear capabilities," he said while sitting next to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who visited Israel a few weeks ago to allay the concerns of the leadership in Jerusalem.

Dempsey's comments should be taken seriously, as should the stern message conveyed by Panetta, the White House and the American security establishment: If we can't reason with you, the Israelis, we will have to get tough.

The general's remark was not a slip-of-the-tongue. It was a calculated statement from a general of Irish descent and character. His words constituted a slap in Israel's face, a punch in the face, and a kick to the most sensitive part of the body. To be more precise, the US slammed Israel's head against the wall and said: "Shut up. Stop babbling about Iran. Without us there is not much you can do, and don't assume for a second that we are dancing to your tune. You shouldn't do anything stupid, and stop driving the entire world crazy."

This was the message behind Dempsey's comment. You don't believe it? Just imagine what would have happened had an American general, after decades of ambiguity, would have held a press conference and announced that Israel does not have nuclear weapons, or that it does.

Now think again about the meaning of Dempsey's statement, which was made after months and even years in which Israel was building up its image as an omnipotent power in the Middle East. Dempsey's comments can even be considered earth-shattering: The US, Israel's closest ally and confidante, has decided to bring the Jewish state's leadership to its knees and hurt our exaggerated self-confidence and undermine our deterrence. No less. Continue reading→