Israel steps back from war footing
Around 1000 reservists called up to the Israeli army were sent home ahead of Rosh Hashanah, after US President Barack Obama’s announcement last weekend that he had put the brakes on a strike against Syria.
Despite rumours of dissatisfaction in Jerusalem at Obama’s decision to seek the support of Congress before attacking, there was notable silence from ministers and the military. “This was important because Israel recognises this is an important decision for the US, and it’s important that Israel isn’t seen as involved,” said Yehuda Ben-Meir, a security analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.
Ben-Meir told The AJN: “It’s not in Israel’s interests to be seen as trying to influence them in any way,” saying that the impression that action had been promoted by Israel could be bad for the country’s public diplomacy.
Only one minister broke ranks and commented on Obama’s decision. Housing Minister Uri Ariel of the right-wing Jewish Home party criticised it, saying on Army Radio: “Take him out.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment about the comment at Sunday’s cabinet meeting, and asked ministers to refrain from such statements. However, some Netanyahu supporters outside of the Knesset have voiced frustration with the delay, and said that it raises serious questions about how far Israel could depend on Obama if the time came for a strike on Iran.
During an interview with Army Radio, Israel’s President Shimon Peres voiced confidence in the process that Obama is following. “I have full faith in President Obama’s moral and operational stance,” he said on Monday. “I recommend patience, I am confident that the United States will respond in the right way to Syria.
“Thoughtfulness should not be confused with indecision, better to analyse before the event rather than after it. I trust President Obama.”
Peres went on to comment: “I have faith in him when it comes to all issues regarding Israel. Iran is a key global interest which impacts upon the peace of the entire world, it is not just an Israeli issue. I do not believe he will allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons.”
Netanyahu’s main message this week was Israel’s deterrent strength. “Our state is peaceful, certain of the strength of the IDF and sure in itself, because it knows that it can defend itself,” he said. “I will not allow anyone to harm the State of Israel. I ask you to go out and enjoy the holiday and if someone thinks of harming the tranquillity of the holiday, he knows what awaits him.”
NATHAN JEFFAY
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