Israel Nuke Comment Sparks Controversy

[RegBarc]

Associated Press story (http://apnews.myway.com/article/20061212/D8LVAPKG1.html)

JERUSALEM (AP) - A slip of the tongue by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert about Israel's nuclear policy ballooned into a domestic crisis Tuesday for the Israeli leader, who came under criticism from across the political spectrum.


In an interview with a German television station broadcast Monday, Olmert appeared to list Israel among the world's nuclear powers, violating the country's long-standing policy of not officially acknowledging that it has atomic weapons.

Asked by the interviewer about Iran's calls for the destruction of Israel, Olmert replied that Israel has never threatened to annihilate anyone.
"Iran openly, explicitly and publicly threatens to wipe Israel off the map," Olmert said. "Can you say that this is the same level, when you are aspiring to have nuclear weapons, as America, France, Israel, Russia?"

"Whoops."

While it seems like a slip of the tounge, I have to agree with his point, minus Russia at this point. Their nuclear arsenal isn't exactly Fort Knox secured.

Nevermind the irony of my sig quote. ;)

[pdjplano]

I don't understand the controversy, everyone knows Israel has nukes....

[Ryan]

I don't understand the controversy, everyone knows Israel has nukes....

This is why:


Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, of the hard-line Likud, another opposition party, said the comment could hurt Israel's attempt to get the international community to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Shalom said Olmert "gave tools" to Israel's enemies, allowing them to say, "Why are you dealing only with Iran while Israel is confirming that it has the same kind of weapons?"

[pdjplano]

they've been saying that for years, this changes nothing...

[Ryan]

they've been saying that for years, this changes nothing...

The difference is that Israel officially didn't have any nukes. While everyone knows that Israel has them, it's never been official.

For it to be said on national TV by the PM is now, well, official, and will prompt some countries to scream "hypocrite" even louder when Israel is calling for any country's nuclear disarmament.

[AntiPC]

The difference is that Israel officially didn't have any nukes. While everyone knows that Israel has them, it's never been official.I still don't see this making a difference. Enemies aren't deterred more; they could be encouraged by the promise of martyrdom.

For it to be said on national TV by the PM is now, well, official, and will prompt some countries to scream "hypocrite" even louder when Israel is calling for any country's nuclear disarmament.Who spanked Kim Jong-il for his nuke? The USA and China. I didn't' hear "hypocrite". When wars have started over soccer games in South America, the importance of nuclear non proliferation is not lost on the world community.

Jewish law says an eye for an eye. That makes Israel the perfect nation to have nukes since they won't have a first strike policy.

[Ryan]

I still don't see this making a difference. Enemies aren't deterred more; they could be encouraged by the promise of martyrdom.

Who spanked Kim Jong-il for his nuke? The USA and China. I didn't' hear "hypocrite". When wars have started over soccer games in South America, the importance of nuclear non proliferation is not lost on the world community.

Jewish law says an eye for an eye. That makes Israel the perfect nation to have nukes since they won't have a first strike policy.

Islamic law says eye for an eye, too. Should they all have nukes?

Come on now, don't be ridiculous.

The USA did nothing for Kim Jong Il. It was China, and moreso the Chinese banks. Money talks.

[Turtleboy]

I don't mind Saudi Arabia or Egypt having Nukes, just like it really wasn't a problem with the Soviets having Nukes.

All of those countries (and Israel) are rational actors who understand mutually assured destruciton, and are interested in their own survivial. Basically, if you nuke us, we'll nuke you back and we're both dead.

However, a country like Iran, with it's current leader doesn't care about mutually assured destruction. He is a like a sucide bomber who dies for Allah, or the 9/11 terrorists. To him, death of himself or his country isn't a bad thing if he takes out his enemy at the same time.

The Soviet Union was an "evil empire," but in the end, it's leaders wanted to live. I'm not so sure that same is true of Iran, which is why them getting Nukes is so scary.

Israel has had nukes for over 30 years. Have they used them?

[JohnJr]

Well, Jesus has yet to return. ;)

-John

[Turtleboy]

Well, Jesus has yet to return. ;)

-John

Jesus returned yesterday to mow my lawn, like he does every week.

[JohnJr]

lol :)

-John