US Senate demands support for Israeli strike on Iran
Monday, May 27, 2013 | Israel Today Staff
Israelis were relieved to hear of last week's near-unanimous passing of a US Senate resolution demanding full American support should Israel deem it necessary to attack Iran's nuclear program.
The resolution, which was voted for by 99 out of 100 senators, read:
"If the Government of Israel is compelled to take military action in legitimate self-defense against Iran’s nuclear weapons program, the United States Government should stand with Israel and provide, in accordance with United States law and the constitutional responsibility of Congress to authorize the use of military force, diplomatic, military, and economic support to the Government of Israel in its defense of its territory, people, and existence."
The resolution went on to urge the Obama Administration to take its own steps to prevent Iran from attaining a nuclear weapon so that Israel does not reach the point where it feels compelled to take action.
Last Wednesday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published yet another report casting suspicion on Iran's nuclear activities, and validating concerns that the Islamic Republic seeks atomic weapons.
The report noted that Iran has of late significantly upgraded its ability to enrich uranium to weapons-grade levels, and that work advances on a plutonium-producing reactor.
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported at the weekend that the Islamic Republic has fielded a "massive" number of mobile long-range missile launchers. The move is a clear warning against any action targeting Iran's nuclear facilities. Should Israel or the US threaten Iran's nuclear program, the missiles would presumably be launched at the Jewish state and American military bases in the Middle East in an overwhelming simultaneous attack.
