Olmert: The Time Has Come to Act Against Iran
05:08 Nov 15, '06 / 24 Cheshvan 5767
by Yechiel Spira
The nuclear threat from Iran remains atop of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s agenda as he calls upon the international community to act.
In his White House meeting this week, Mr. Olmert focused on the threat resulting from Iran’s continued nuclear enrichment towards constructing an atom bomb. While America is sensitive to Israel’s concerns, the European community and Russia are not as anxious to act against Tehran, preferring to take a more diplomatic approach, opposing stiff American sanctions.
Speaking to a Los Angeles Jewish forum, the prime minister on Tuesday called upon moderate Arab nations to act against Iran too, warning the point of no return has arrived – compelling the international community to act.
Earlier in the week, Vice Premier Shimon Peres released a statement that a nuclear Iran is a threat to everyone, including Russia, warning of the instability that will result if Tehran is permitted to achieve nuclear independence.
Addressing the General Assembly of the United Jewish Communities of North America, Mr. Olmert stated Iran challenges Israel’s right to exist, and a nuclear Iran will result in a level of instability that has never been known before. Calling for a coalition of moderate Arab nations, Olmert stated such a coalition can and must act to prevent such a level of instability in the region, directing efforts against radical Islamic elements.
On the heels of his White House meeting, Mr. Olmert had words of praise for US President George W. Bush, a true friend of Israel, who shares Jerusalem’s concerns, committed to preventing Iran from moving ahead with its nuclear agenda. Emerging from the meeting, the prime minister stated Israel and America see eye-to-eye on the Iranian issue, exhibiting an air of confidence that Washington remains closely involved in matter. s
The prime minister’s position is echoed by others in Israel, including much of the political left, sharing concerns over the reality that a nuclear Iran would pose unprecedented challenges to Israel, as well as threaten her very existence.
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad continues to use every platform available to him to call for the eradication of Israel, insisting his nuclear program is for peaceful medical purposes. Ahmadinejad continues to defend Tehran’s right to develop a nuclear weapon, largely supported by Russia, who continues to counter American efforts to impose stiff sanctions.
Tehran defies United Nations Security Council decisions, as scientists forge ahead with the nuclear program. Ahmadinejad does not miss an opportunity to issue threats, against Israel and America, that any thought of a military attack would be met with a swift and painful retaliation.
Vice Premier Peres recently pointed out that in Iran’s case, even stiff economic sanctions will have little impact, explaining national poverty is a way of life and as such, most citizens will never realize a difference following sanctions, hinting that a more aggressive approach must be taken.
Olmert: The Time Has Come to Act Against Iran 
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