Sunday, May 17, 2009

Obama Notes Iran's Existential Threat to Israel


Before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the White House, President Obama noted the threat Israel faces from Iran. The Jerusalem Post reported:

"I understand very clearly that Israel considers Iran an existential threat, and given some of the statements that have been made by [Iranian] President [Mahmoud] Ahmadinejad, you can understand why," Obama said in an interview with Newsweek.

With respect to concerns Israel might carry out an air strike against Iranian nuclear facilities, the US president said that since Israel is "right there in the range" of Iranian missiles, "their calculation of costs and benefits are going to be more acute."

Obama remarked that he did not think it was his place to "determine for the Israelis what their security needs are."

That's funny for a country supplying $2.77 billion in annual military aid to Israel. A year ago candidate Obama proved he could AIPANDER at an AIPAC meeting.. He's looking similar as President.