Jerusalem Post: Israeli Army Seeks Response to Iran’s Attack on Mercer Street; Politicians Prefer Diplomacy
While the Israeli military warns that Iran’s attack on the oil tanker “Mercer Street” must be answered to prevent future attacks, the country’s politicians are concerned that any military response could damage political efforts against Iran.
According to the “Jerusalem Post,” high-level talks were held last week between senior political officials, the military, and the Mossad intelligence agency regarding Iranian naval movements and activities against Israeli-owned vessels.
According to senior members of the Israeli General Staff and Navy, the country has exhausted its political efforts against Iran and therefore must provide a military response to Iran’s recent attack on the “Mercer Street” tanker.
In the newspaper’s report, senior Israeli military sources say that “the Ayatollah regime should not be allowed to attack Israeli tankers; because such action could seriously harm Israeli interests in the future and endanger civilian ships on shipping lanes around the world.”
These sources also noted that based on available indicators, nuclear negotiations between Iran and the West are expected to resume in the coming weeks, unless an unexpected change occurs.
On the other hand, Israeli politicians are currently seeking to calm the situation and expressing satisfaction with Iran’s condemnation by Britain and the United States; because a military response would damage ongoing political efforts against Iran and could lead to the country being freed from criticism before nuclear negotiations begin.
However, according to sources familiar with the meeting of senior Israeli officials, if new concerning information about Iran emerges, there is a possibility that Israeli politicians could change their approach.
Source: Voice of America
