Jerusalem Post: Israeli military calls for response to Iran attack on Mercer Street; politicians prefer diplomacy
While the Israeli military warns that it must respond to Iran's attack on the Mercer Strait tanker to deter future attacks, politicians in the country are concerned that any military response would harm political efforts against Iran.
According to the Jerusalem Post, talks were held last week between senior political officials, the military, and the Mossad organization regarding Iran's maritime movements and activities against Israeli ships.
According to senior members of the Israeli Army and Navy General Staff, the country has completed its political efforts against Iran and therefore, a military response must be given to Iran's recent attack on the Mercer Strait tanker.
According to the newspaper, senior Israeli military sources say that "the ayatollah regime should not be allowed to attack Israeli tankers, as such an act could seriously harm Israel's interests in the future and endanger civilian ships in shipping lanes around the world."
These sources also noted that, based on existing indications, nuclear talks between Iran and the West will resume in the coming weeks, unless there are unexpected changes.
On the other hand, Israeli politicians are currently calling for a de-escalation of the situation and expressing satisfaction with the condemnation of Iran by Britain and the United States, because a military response would harm ongoing political efforts against Iran and could lead to the country being freed from criticism before the start of nuclear negotiations.
However, according to sources familiar with the meeting of senior Israeli officials, there is a possibility that Israeli politicians will change their attitude if new worrying information about Iran is presented.
Source: Voice of America
