By HERB KEINON | Front Lines – the week that was | Jerusalem Post
Is there daylight between Israel and the US on Iran? There was speculation here that one of the reasons Gates was here this week was to rein Israel in on Iran. Are we on the same page, or are there big differences?
I’m hopeful we are on the same page. I know the vice president has made some comments that have indicated that he feels we should not dictate to Israel what it should do.
I definitely support that statement that it is not US policy to dictate to our democratic ally what it can and cannot do to defend itself, especially against an existential threat being posed by a country in the region. So I’m continuing to work with my colleagues on the Hill to make sure that we do not have any daylight between our two countries.
Can you envision any scenario where the US would take military action against Iran?
That is something that the administration is continuing to weigh. I’ve always been a proponent of making it clear that all options remain on the table. It is very important for us to make sure that is the case, especially as this administration has adopted a policy of engagement with Teheran.
Regarding Syria. What do you think of Washington’s policy of engagements there?
I clearly think that what we must keep our eyes focused on with Syria is that when moves are made in the hopes of trying to facilitate discussions between Syria and Israel, there is a clear understanding of what the expectations are, and that we are at least sensing that we are getting something in return. If we are going to allow for export of technology, if we are going to provide the regime in Syria with some confidence politically, we have to make sure that we are getting something – and that Damascus is giving up something – in return. The status quo is not acceptable as far as Syria is concerned.
~ Article From Jerusalem Post
For More of the Interview, Please click the link below:
Diplomacy: ‘Settlement issue distracts from Iran’
