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Sy Hersh confirmed in his interview with Amy Goodman (Democracy Now, 6/30/2008), that Israel can't go to war without US backup.
Logistically, Israel doesn't have a bomber that can fly to Iran and back without refueling, and probably twice.
The only force presence in the area that has refueling tankers? The US.
The only force in the area with the sophistication to detect, target and neutralize the Iranian missile and radar defenses? The US.
And Israel KNOWS that the Iranians have purchased some sophisticated Russian missile and radar defense equipment that will take until the end of the year to install and make operational. Israel is in a "use it or lose it" position as far as neutralizing Iran is concerned.
Yes, you are hearing me correctly: if Israel doesn't take out Iran's nuclear facilities before the end of the year, they won't be able to for many years to come.
And, no, the Israeli's don't believe the NIE with respect to Iran's stated use of nuclear power. The power is just too seductive, as far as Israel is concerned, and they are not going to tolerate being an also-ran in the arsenal category. They're too paranoid and tensions are too high.
