Schlaglicht Israel Nr. 14/2012 Aktuelles aus israelischen Tageszeitungen 28. Juli – 12. August 2012 1. Die Debatte über einen Angriff auf den Iran In Israel ist die Debatte um einen möglichen Angriff auf den Iran mit neuer Intensität entbrannt. Das zentrale Argument lautet, dass das iranische Atomprogamm bereits so weit vorangeschritten sei, dass Israel nicht mehr viel Zeit bleibe, um es mit einem Militärschlag zerstören zu können. Medienberichten zufolge erwägen Premierminister Netanyahu und Verteidigungsminister Barak einen Angriff noch vor den US-Wahlen im November. Israels Generalstabschef Benny Gantz und weitere führende Militärs und Sicherheitsexperten sprechen sich jedoch gegen einen israelischen Alleingang aus. In einem Treffen mit Militärführern antwortete Netanyahu auf die Opposition zu seinen Plänen scharf und sagte, dass eine Entscheidung über einen Angriff allein in seiner Verantwortung liege. Unklar jedoch bleibt, was Netanyahu tatsächlich vorhat, den Iran allein anzugreifen oder die US­Regierung und die internationale Gemeinschaft zu einem härteren Vorgehen gegen den Iran zu bewegen. Heeding Gantz isn’t weakness “I DF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz opposes attacking Iran before the U.S. elections and without coordinating it with the Americans.[…] Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak should heed the chief of staff's warnings[…]. Accepting Gantz's recommendation will not detract from the government's authority and responsibility. The chief of staff will continue‘to be under the authority of the government and subordinate to the defense minister’,[…] even if his recommendation is accepted and Israel is spared a dangerous military operation.” HAA 03.08.12 Editorial Lessons of 1981 “The madness of public debate over the Iranian nuclear issue[…] could be the factor that takes the decision of whether to attack Iran away from Israel's leaders.[…] It could prevent it from happening at all, or it could force Israel to launch it earlier than planned[…]. Both scenarios are bad, if they are dictated by irresponsible chatter rather than the appropriate factors.[…] […] No IDF chief, as wise as he may be, should take action that undermines a defense minister(not even an unpopular one). From this point forward, senior military officials will be allowed to express their opinion, but it cannot be presented in a way that harms Israel.” Dan Margalit, IHY 01.08.12 Bibi cannot silence Gantz “The chief of staff is not just another official; he is supposed to be a full partner in making decisions as to whether or not to attack. His powers and responsibility are equal to that of a prime minister. […] He must express the opinion of the IDF on our ability to deal with the Iranian threat. And not necessarily always in private. The public must know not only whether an Israeli military operation is essential, but also what damage we can expect to the home front in the event that Israel takes action. […] Statements from the prime minister to the effect that he will decide and the army will implement sound like the statement of the feudal lord who gives orders to his subjects.” Yoel Marcus, HAA 03.08.12 The debate on Iran “Are you for or against an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities?[…] It is a decision that should be discussed behind closed doors, and one that needs to be made by the prime minister and his government – not the public.[…] 1