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Israel already spends an enormous amount on militarism. Like America, it does it at a time it has no enemies except ones it invents.
Between militarism, settlement construction, and corporate favoritism, little remains for domestic needs mattering most to ordinary Israelis.
Whether Israel plans more war won't be known unless or attacks confirm it. Threats alone don't signify policy. Netanyahu and other Israeli officials make them often. On July 25, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said:
Israel faces "tough and crucial (security) decisions. I am well aware of the difficulties involved in thwarting Iran's attempts to acquire a nuclear weapon.""However, it is clear to me that without a doubt, dealing with the threat itself will be far more complicated, far more dangerous and far more costly in resources and human life than thwarting it."
Israel may or may not be planning to confront Syria. On July 24, IDF Chief of Staff General Benny Gantz was ambiguous about an alleged Damascus chemical and biological weapons threat.
On the one hand, he urged caution. On the other, he said Israel might "find itself in a wider conflict that it planned" if military operations against Syria are initiated.
He left unexplained what he meant except to suggest attacking WMDs may have unintended consequences. He added that IDF policy sometimes means engaging in action. At other times, it's about holding back.
The Syrian pot is boiling. Both countries share a common border. Full-scale war could spill over. Syria run by extremist elements means anything going forward is possible.
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