Observation: Just in time for Democratic Convention – Israel makes do list
for Obama clear

Dr. Aaron Lerner Date: 4 September 2012

The timing could not be better.

For months friends of Israel in the United States had to contend with what
might have been interpreted as contradictory messages emanating from various
Israeli sources.

But now, as the Democratic Party convenes to nominate President Obama as
their candidate for the 2012 elections, Israel has come forward with a clear
message as to what it needs President Obama to do.

And that’s do now.

Not in 2014.

Not in 2013.

Now.

First we had Prime Minister Netanyahu introduce the concept that Mr. Obama
needs to set explicit red lines.

Today this was followed up by an interview by Prof. Uzi Arad, a former
national security adviser, broadcast live on the Israel Radio Reshet Bet
noon news program 4 September 2012
A recording of the “do list” is available at
http://youtu.be/uHn2wN9x4jY

and IMRA’s translation appears below.

This “do list” is a list that can be embraced by all friends of Israel be
they Democrats or Republicans.

It is a “do list” that can be endorsed by the entire spectrum of groups
interested in Israel, from J Street and the Israel Policy Forum to ZOA and
AFSI.

And it’s a do list that both President Obama and candidate Romney should be
urged and encouraged by their supporters to publicly embrace.

The fog has lifted.

The time for secondary and tertiary considerations and calculations is
behind us.

And now, with a “do list” that cuts across the entire spectrum, all
supporters and friends of Israel can join to insure its implementation.

This is a moment that transcends sectoral politics.

This is an opportunity for each and every friend and supporter of Israel to
make a critical difference.

=============================================
Prof. Uzi Arad, a former national security adviser, broadcast live on the
Israel Radio Reshet Bet noon news program 4 September 2012

Translated excerpt:

Let's start in terms of goals. Until today the U.S. used terms that were not
the most categorical that clearly indicated its determination.

1. It can be arranged for example that at the level of presidential
declarations that it is said more explicitly that the U.S. will not accept
and will use all of its resources in order to prevent a nuclear Iran and in
no circumstances will neither accept or countenance the situation of a
nuclear Iran.

2. It can act already to receive the authorization of Congress such that if
the point is reached that all diplomatic measures are exhausted that it will
act with force to achieve these goals (nuclear free Iran)

3. It is made clear that the military goal of the U.S. if it does launch an
operation will not be to buy time but instead it will be explicitly declared
by the president that the military goal is the permanent prevention of a
nuclear armed Iran.

...But you asked about additional matters. If there would be operations in
the field if the Iranians crossed red lines - such that if Iran were to
cross those line that this would immediately cause the launching of American
forces almost automatically.

And you are correct.

There are such instances. And they are already known. But the U.S. could
state them explicitly and bring them to the attention of the Iranians.

For example:

1. Any uranium enrichment beyond 20% - which they are already doing. Any
enrichment beyond that that is at a military level, 60% etc., will be
considered crossing a red line and will immediately lead to action.

2. Any action to undermine supervision - The International Atomic Energy
Agency (IAEA) observers are there. They have equipment. They are
supervising. Any action to undermine their supervision will be considered
crossing a red line and immediately mean that the Iranians are moving
forward.

3. The discovery of any secret enrichment facility not yet declared by the
Iranians will be considered as incontrovertible evidence that they are
moving forward such that also such a
discovery will be considered the crossing of the red line...

Dr. Aaron Lerner, Director IMRA (Independent Media Review & Analysis)
(Mail POB 982 Kfar Sava)
Tel 972-9-7604719/Fax 972-3-7255730
INTERNET ADDRESS: imra@netvision.net.il
Website: http://www.imra.org.il