• Published 01:27 13.02.11
  • Latest update 01:27 13.02.11

Mubarak's departure thwarted Israeli strike on Iran

Israel will find it difficult to take action far to the east when it can not rely on the tacit agreement to its actions on its western border.

By Aluf Benn Tags: Israel news Egypt Iran

Most Israelis were either born or immigrated to this country during the period in which Hosni Mubarak ruled Egypt. This is the reality they know. And this is the significance of the stability that Mubarak provided them with.

In all the upheavals that took place in the Middle East over the past three decades, the Egyptian regime appeared to be a powerful rock. The leaders of Israel knew that their left flank was secure as they went out to war, built settlements and negotiated peace on the other fronts. The friction in relations between Jerusalem and Cairo, however frustrating it was at times, did not undermine the foundations of the strategic alliance created by the Israeli-Egyptian peace agreement.

The resignation of Mubarak following 18 days of protests in Egypt ushers in a new era of uncertainty for the entire region, and for Israel in particular. The long reign of the Egyptian leader was not unusual for the Middle East. Hafez Assad led Syria for 30 years, like Mubarak in Egypt; King Hussein and Yasser Arafat ruled for 40 years. But when they stepped off the stage, their legacy was secure. Hussein and Assad passed the reins on to their sons, and Arafat was replaced by his veteran deputy, Mahmoud Abbas. This is why the changing of the guard in Jordan, Syria and the Palestinian Authority were perceived by Israel as natural, arousing no particular concern. After all, the familiar is not all that frightening.

But this is not the situation in Egypt today. Mubarak was thrown out, before he could prepare one of his close aides or his son to take over as president. The army commanders who took over are trying to calm the Egyptian public and the international community with promises that they have no intentions of setting up a new junta in Cairo, but rather, plan to pass to transfer authority to a civilian government through free elections. But no one, including the generals in the Supreme Council of the Armed forces, knows how and when the regime transition will play out. History teaches us that after revolutions, it takes a number of years of domestic infighting before the new regime stabilizes.

This uncertainty troubles Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His reactions during the first days of the revolution exposed deep anxieties that the peace agreement with Egypt might collapse. He tried to delay Mubarak's end as long as possible, but to no avail, and on Saturday he praised the Egyptian military's announcement that all international agreements would be respected, including the peace treaty with Israel.

Netanyahu is afraid of the possibility that Egypt may become an Islamic republic, hostile to Israel - a sort of new Iran but much closer physically. He hopes this doesn't happen and that Egypt will follow Turkey's footsteps, preserving formal ties with Israel, embassies, air connections and trade, even as it expresses strong criticism of its treatment the Palestinians.

The best case scenario, in his view, even if it is less likely, is that Egypt will become like Turkey before the era of Erdogan: a pro-American country, controlled by the military.

Netanyahu shared with Mubarak his concerns about the growing strength of Iran. Egypt played a key role in the Sunni, the "moderate," axis, which lined up alongside Israel and the United States against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his allies in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip.

The toppling of the regime in Cairo does not alter this strategic logic. The revolutionaries at Tahrir Square were motivated by Egyptian national pride and not by their adoration of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Whoever succeeds Mubarak will want to follow this line, even bolster Egyptian nationalism, and not transform Egypt into an Iranian satellite. This does not mean that Mubarak's successor will encourage Israel to strike the Iranian nuclear installations.

On the contrary: they will listen to Arab public opinion, which opposes a preemptive war against Iran. Israel will find it difficult to take action far to the east when it cannot rely on the tacit agreement to its actions on its western border. Without Mubarak there is no Israeli attack on Iran. His replacement will be concerned about the rage of the masses, if they see him as a collaborator in such operation.

Whoever is opposed to a strike, or fear its consequences - even though they appear to be in favor, like Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak - now have the ultimate excuse. We wanted to strike Iran, they will write in their memoirs but we could not because of the revolution in Egypt. Like Ehud Olmert says that he nearly made peace, they will say that they nearly made war. In his departure Mubarak prevented a preemptive Israeli war. This appears to have been his last contribution to regional stability.

 

IAF F-16 AP File Photo

Israel Air Force F-16 taking off on a mission.

Photo by: AP
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  • 57. 18 4
    adam1@hotmail.co.uk
    • adam
    • 13.02.11
    • 19:36

    What israel needs to understand is that the Muslim world whether they are Shia or Sunni have nothing against the Israeli people. But it is the treatment of the Palestinians that horrifies and angers everyone else. Regardless of there race, or religion, Israeli policies are humiliating to the western world which speaks of democracy and co-existance but at the same time has the burden of defending Israels actions against an occupied people. Remember Palestinians are both Muslims and Christians, at the same time it is the Muslim leaders of some arab states and christian leaders of the western states that are supporting Israel. This will happen no longer as the masses have now spoken. Israel needs to stop finding excuses to not make peace as it is in the interest of the whole world. The palentinian papers from Aljazeera show how negative and hopeless the peace talks have been due to the stubbness of the israeli leaders and the knesset. If Israel is serious about peace and democracy then it needs to truly seek peace and not depend on its military might to secure its interest becase as we all know every dog has its day. We in the UK support Israels right to exist but we will not support its blatent agreesion and mistreatment of an opressed and occupied people who do seek nothing but justice and peace.

    • 6 15
      arabs told us to kill every jew even out of Israel
      • Luis
      • 13.02.11
      • 20:02

      The arabs must work harder to convince us that they dont want to kill the jews. 0) Mufti of Jerusalem worked with the nazis. 1)Shoa denniers (they allways were). 2) They told us 100 million times to kill every jew, mainly in Israel but also outside, I personally saw it. I know there is a lot of rethoric in it, but rethoric only because force no words. We us jews we are not happy with that(force), more we are terrible sad. So, going back to the point they must do a great job to convince us that they accept us in ME, and all this is not only for hating the jews but about pals rigths. And they are doing a very bad job. With love and respect.

    • 8 4
      Very well said Adam
      • Sam
      • 13.02.11
      • 20:35

      The problem is the occupation and its consequences. Peace would be better and cheaper for all. The world in a whole needs a new peace era.

  • 56. 0 4
    egypt
    • soldier
    • 13.02.11
    • 19:29

    why not a un peacekeeping force until a legit government?i just got back from oef,have been to oif too. but i feel stability in your region now should be the highest priority.we shouldn't allow the vaccume to be filled by radicals.if it is,we may be faced with a world war.no-one wants that

  • 55. 8 2
    The false calculations of israeli leaders.
    • Montasser
    • 13.02.11
    • 18:49

    If this analysis is correct, then we can base our future steps on the false calculations of israeli leaders. A new arab generation has been evolved and one of our major goals is forcing israelis to withdraw from all occupied arab territories ,including Sinai desert. Just wait and you will see wounders!!

  • 54. 14 2
    Striking Iran
    • Kathleen
    • 13.02.11
    • 18:48

    If, as your article claims, the Democratization of Egypt will make an UNPROVOKED bombing of a sovereign country, with all the loss of civilian life that will cause, impossible, then that is still another benefit of the uprising. No one but a psychopath can want to see Iran turned into Southern Lebanon, or Gaza.

  • 53. 3 14
    Better not happen
    • Stranger
    • 13.02.11
    • 17:58

    If Israel will have to strike Iran there will be only one reason for such think to save its exitence because treats from Ahmedinejads dirty mouth never stop spilling out and if there will be proof for israeli intelegence that nuks to be transfered to hesballah that will seal the deal. Believe me if such unfortunate thinks hapened IDF will not be throwing rcks over Iranian border. Jews are not stupid as answer to all hopocrites.

  • 52. 2 12
    NO PURPOSE IN ATTACKING IRAN
    • REALITY CHECK
    • 13.02.11
    • 17:05

    Iran is not that stupid, but neither was Hitler. Maniacal but not stupid. Look at the facts: A nuke strike by Iran would result probably in the missiles being blown up in the sky over Saudi Iraq or Jordan; given the prevailing winds, the fallout would not affect Israel but rather Muslim states AND Iran!; the target is not Israel but Europe; by the time the Eurabians even tried to recover from their hopes that the Jews would again be the targets (sound familiar?) most of Eurabia will have been decimated; the next and REAL war will take place between former allies Turkey and Iran as they fight for who hpuses the new caliphate. Turkey believing it historically has the right being the scion of the Ottoman empire and holding legitimacy to numerous genocide. Iran, with the presence of the Ayatollahs and the support they recieve from Jimmy 'the 12th Imam' Carter who has openly proclaimed Qom the new home. What is sure is that the over 1million that died in the Iran-Iraq war will be nothing compared to the deluge f the Turkish-Iran war. The other residents of the Mid-East need only sit back and watch the enemies fight to the death and write the hstories describing "once upon a time." The fallacy of the Iran buildup - much like Saddam's - des not affect Israel. Can you say "pop go the weasels?"

  • 51. 51 12
    Israel would never attack Iran
    • Curly
    • 13.02.11
    • 16:06

    If Israel would ever attack Iran it would be the end of the state of Israel.Russia would get involved and it would be pure hell, Egypt can be friends with Israel and Iran if they calm all of the rhetoric and get rid of the nukes,That is YOU also Israel as You are the main problem in the region.

  • 50. 32 9
    Israel would never attack Iran
    • Curly
    • 13.02.11
    • 16:06

    If Israel would ever attack Iran it would be the end of the state of Israel.Russia would get involved and it would be pure hell, Egypt can be friends with Israel and Iran if they calm all of the rhetoric and get rid of the nukes,That is YOU also Israel as You are the main problem in the region.

  • 49. 33 8
    No Attack on Iran
    • JoeUSA
    • 13.02.11
    • 16:05

    is in the interest of everyone in the ME except israel.Israel continuously criticized Arab system , calling them dictatorship ( and they are) and claiming to be the only democracy in the ME. Well , The Arabs are calling for democracy and rising. Of all , people , it is israel who is against democracy and he liberation of the Arabs. How cynical and ironic.

  • 48. 28 4
  • 47. 18 7
    A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT IS A COSTLY AFFAIR FOR ISRAEL
    • K.G.Khan
    • 13.02.11
    • 15:16

    Israel has lost the opportunity of peace with Palestinians, its time for them to lick Palestinians and make peace or else you have Iran on one side of the wing and Egypt on the other, surely after few years if not weeks and months. Where are the think tanks?

  • 46. 9 6
    A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT IS A COSTLY AFFAIR FOR ISRAEL
    • K.G.Khan
    • 13.02.11
    • 15:16

    Israel has lost the opportunity of peace with Palestinians, its time for them to lick Palestinians and make peace or else you have Iran on one side of the wing and Egypt on the other, surely after few years if not weeks and months. Where are the think tanks?

  • 45. 5 3
    A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT IS A COSTLY AFFAIR FOR ISRAEL
    • K.G.Khan
    • 13.02.11
    • 15:16

    Israel has lost the opportunity of peace with Palestinians, its time for them to lick Palestinians and make peace or else you have Iran on one side of the wing and Egypt on the other, surely after few years if not weeks and months. Where are the think tanks?

  • 44. 5 3
    A DEMOCRATIC EGYPT IS A COSTLY AFFAIR FOR ISRAEL
    • K.G.Khan
    • 13.02.11
    • 15:16

    Israel has lost the opportunity of peace with Palestinians, its time for them to lick Palestinians and make peace or else you have Iran on one side of the wing and Egypt on the other, surely after few years if not weeks and months. Where are the think tanks?

  • 43. 53 5
    Striking Iran
    • Barney
    • 13.02.11
    • 13:35

    I find it difficult to believe that Israel would seriously consider attacking Iran. I do not believe that the losses Israel would have to sustain do not warrant such a move when both parties can well live with a stalemate, should Iran acquire a nuclear capability. Moreover, there would be a tremendous cost to the United States, and the vast majority of Americans will turn on Israel. Israel should not take for granted the continued control of the U.S. body politic. It is time for Israel to recognize the legitimacy of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capitol, all of the West Bank and Gaza its homeland. TIME IS NOT ON THE SIDE OF ISRAEL! Peace now!

  • 42. 9 14
    I respectfully disagree....
    • The Progressive Populist
    • 13.02.11
    • 13:35

    The role of Egypt, under Mubarak and now post-Hosni, is just one parameter among many others when Jerusalem debates the iranian issue. And this issue is also, as Mr. Benn of course knows, no longer only our problem. Many arabs are deeply concerned about Iran. And let us not forget that we have already seen a number of "preemptive strikes" (stuxnet, explosions, assasinations). The secret war started many years ago, and is not affected by the events in Cairo.

  • 41. 11 11
    Egypt doesnt need war with Israel
    • carlos Gilmour
    • 13.02.11
    • 12:52

    Egypt doesnt want an Islamic dictatorship; they don't want another war, which will devastate their economy; they don't want to lose the sinai and its oil + gas reserves They do not need to have the Aswan dam busted. They do not want Iranian infiltrators. Israel is much stronger now than it was in 67 or 73. And if Egypt does not stick with is land-for peace deal, then why should Israel trust that PA/Hamas will?

  • 40. 7 26
    the prophet Aluf Ben
    • zionist forever
    • 13.02.11
    • 12:48

    If the Israeli government wants to strike Iran it will no matter who is in charge of Egypt or any other arab state. We will not be told what we are or are not allowed to do by arabs and there will always be a strategy found. In 1981 Egypt would have been against any strike on Iraq's nuclear reactor as would the US who were Iraq's ally against the ayatollahs in the Iran / Iraq war but Israel decided it was going to hit Iran and it decided to say screw you to the entire world ( US included ) and found a way to do it the fact the Egyptian government would have been against it and considering we had only made peace with 2 years earlier so the treaty was still very fragile but we did it anyway Sorry Aluf but your just not cut our for prophrcy making.

    • 0 1
      to zioniste forever
      • rya
      • 13.02.11
      • 20:32

      Those days are gone when Hezbollah has managed to beat you when then iran will crush you . egypt in the changement deprives you of an important ally, politically, logistics (Suez Canal) and military by withdrawing its troops from Sinai, and contributing to the blockage of Gaza, all this is finished

  • 39. 20 3
    israel have nukes themselves
    • Anders
    • 13.02.11
    • 12:40

    and now israel want to start another war? sanction israel for these threats!

  • 38. 29 4
    Attack on Iran?!
    • Thom
    • 13.02.11
    • 12:39

    what are you talking about? israel=biggest threat to world peace.

  • 37. 20 5
    What a load of croc!!! PSM will like that.
    • Westwell
    • 13.02.11
    • 11:46

    It is an impossible mission with or without Mubarak otherwise IDF would have done it with no hesitation. Israel does not have the muscles it once had nor the capability to conduct such a long range bombing mission even with the new F-35. Only in dreams and.....Video games. Balance of fear has a bitter taste.

  • 36. 18 2
    If this is true the evolution couldn't have been timed better
    • Chris Linthwaite
    • 13.02.11
    • 11:00

    Disregarding the fact that militarily Israel could never had totally stopped Iran's nuclear power programme anyway. After the election promises made by Netanyahu in order to get elected, I have been wondering why he has been procrastinating now we know why he was waiting for an excuse not to do it

  • 35. 19 2
    "the ultimate excuse"
    • Axel
    • 13.02.11
    • 10:40

    Hits the nail on the head. All these who would wage war, but could not, can now breathe a sigh of relief ...

  • 34. 23 2
    egypt never
    • ikarus
    • 13.02.11
    • 10:09

    new egypt never will be a puppet state for israel. egypt will be more independet and anti-israel state.

  • 33. 6 9
    "Without Mubarak there is no Israeli attack on Iran" ?!
    • Louise Danceanu
    • 13.02.11
    • 09:54

    What a tragedy!...

  • 32. 24 2
    Every "problem" and every "existential threat"for Israel are false
    • dani.a
    • 13.02.11
    • 08:47

    So long you speak about external "threats" because a peace plan adopted by all Arab countries exists since 2002.You have to think only on internal threat which is real,it is the permanent refuse of Israeli's government to make peace and its priority to steal more Palestinian land (how rightly noted Chomsky,persona non grata in Israel Jewish democracy).

  • 31. 12 2
    Every "problem" and every "existential threat"for Israel are false
    • dani.a
    • 13.02.11
    • 08:46

    So long you speak about external "threats" because a peace plan adopted by all Arab countries exists since 2002.You have to think only on internal threat which is real,it is the permanent refuse of Israeli's government to make peace and its priority to steal more Palestinian land (how rightly noted Chomsky,persona non grata in Israel Jewish democracy).

  • 30. 4 19
    why isn't the world calling on assad to step down?
    • tzvi
    • 13.02.11
    • 08:00

    and why aren't the syrians protesting? because they would be slaughtered like the last 30 000 syrians who tried to oppose the regime. mubarak could have turned the guns on the egyption people but he didn't. he never would have. mubarak should lauded for the peaceful transition taking place. and the people should be protesting against monsters like assad! but israel is a much easier target, isn't it?

  • 29. 7 7
    Changes in Egypt
    • Stan of Sydney
    • 13.02.11
    • 07:54

    You may find that with a more pro-democratic but anti-Israel Egypt that the border with terrorist Gaza is opened. That would mean that Israel would have no obligation to help feed the Gazans which would have a 80 million strong country to assist it. A further interesting observation that the anti-American liberal press is very happy about the changes in Egypt (as we all should be) but says absolutely nothing about changes which must take place (for peace) in far more authoritarian Cuba, Syria, Iran, China and North Korea.

  • 28. 31 3
    Strike on Iran
    • Busyboy
    • 13.02.11
    • 07:52

    Well, I doubt Israel can actually attack Iran because it is a very strong country and Israelis cannot undermine the Iranian army. Iran will retaliate and they will certainly reach Tel Aviv if they wanted to.. Iran is not like starved Iraq.. Wake up people...

    • 3 0
      adam1@hotmail.co.uk
      • Adam
      • 13.02.11
      • 19:44

      My thoughts exactly Busyboy, any one who truly seeks peace and wants peace for Israel and its neighbours will tell you the same. Israel is only a small country and Iran has the capacity to wipe them out. But what we in the Uk are scared of is that Israel may try to drag us into a war as well. Dont get me wrong if tommorow the Iranian army was trying to invade our british shores. I would be one of the first to go out to defend my country. Not because I want to protect the racist in downing street. But becasue I love the British people and i love my country. But if Israel thinks we will help them Invade Iran because thats what will need to happen if we go to war with such a country then Israel is sorely mistaken. Seek peace not war and this will set you free. Israel we are here with you but you need to do the right thing and give the poor Palestinian peope both Muslim and Christians the right to live. Or your days are numbered and it wont take a missile to send you under but the poeple will rise up and you will have no where to hide like Mr Mubarak and that'll be that.

  • 27. 14 0
    Speculation
    • Bill
    • 13.02.11
    • 07:18

    This is all speculation. You have no idea what will happen. I would have preferred an analysis which considered a scenario based approach. Personally I am cautiosly optimistic regarding the events in Egypt. The flowering of a democratic regime if sustained can only mean good things for the entire region.

  • 26. 20 4
    The supposed Israeli military attack on Iranian nuclear installations could make the Guinness Book of world records
    • Mark B. / Amsterdam - EU
    • 13.02.11
    • 06:15

    As te biggest non-information & desinformation campagne in world media history. Only competitor for this is the fairy tale of Israel's "legit" rights on "Judea & Samaria" of course.

  • 25. 22 1
    What Israel is going to have to come to terms with
    • Giggles
    • 13.02.11
    • 05:44

    Is that IT is going to have to start working towards peace and stability. The free ride is essentially over. More than anything else, what's happened in Egypt revealed - just in case Mr. Netanyahu and company have missed it - is that it's the people of Israel's neighboring countries from whom it must seek that peace and stability.

    • 8 0
      Agree
      • Historian
      • 13.02.11
      • 17:36

      Absolutely true. The Israelis must pressure their govt to stop these endless wars and incursions. The UN gave the land of Israel to the Jews in 1947-48. Be happy with that and stop stealing land around you.

  • 24. 0 11
    nothing has changed
    • Matt
    • 13.02.11
    • 05:32

    The IDF asks for niche weaponry from the Israeli Defense industry. Example the SPIKE NLOS. As the strategy is developed, weapons platforms will be procured to defend Israel. That is the thing about Israel its strength all one has to do is ask, we need this and it is developed, it will be advanced and high tech. The SPIKE NLOS has the capability to counter IRG swarming tactics in the Straits of Hormuz.

  • 23. 36 2
    Israel better work on the basics before they try any advanced stuff
    • Natallie Durson
    • 13.02.11
    • 05:22

    The 2006 war was a green light for Israel to take the battle to Hizbollah. Since Hizbollah was located right on Israel's doorstep, Israel had the opportunity to bring the entire strength of their combined arms down upon Hizbollah. After more than a month of fighting, not only had Israel failed to defeat Hizbollah, but Hizbollah had prevented Israel from accomplishing any of their objectives. Today, Hizbollah is stronger than ever before. If this is the kind of result that the modern IDF can expect, don't bother to attack Iran. This should be obvious to anybody. The IDF is vastly over rated, and Israel has a sad tendency to underestimate their modern opponents.

  • 22. 2 0
    Alrighty who bought some shares in SHELL
    • oil lover
    • 13.02.11
    • 05:19

    Alrighty who bought shares in SHELL C'mon do tell. Now when we all are witnessing the priceof oil going down a little bit a piece like that might push it up a little bit. So, who bought some shares? don't be shy....

  • 21. 23 1
    As usual
    • Esperalzi Malaysia
    • 13.02.11
    • 05:07

    Israel is always pretending that it has the capability to attack mighty Iran but is always glad to find an excuse why it is still unable to do so. Perhaps 10-15 years from now, we will read a Haaretz headline that says "Saudi King's Departure Averted an Israeli Strike on Iran". Nope! There won't be an Israeli strike on Iran now and ever, and there won't be an Iranian strike on Israel now an ever. A mutual deterrent has been established..

  • 20. 25 1
    attacking Iran is insane
    • steve
    • 13.02.11
    • 04:58

    If israel still tjinking that if attack in Iran can get something from it, it should be insane, are you out of mind to think about attacking Iran. look at your neighbours and look at your allies.time has changed, hope you understand your situation.

  • 19. 4 18
    wrong again Mr Benn
    • Edifice
    • 13.02.11
    • 04:46

    The place with the biggest uncertainty due to the Egyptian uprising is Egypt, not Israel. Mr Netanyahu is quiet right to e afraid of the Islamists taking over Egypt. So should you be. All the Arab nations are scared of Iran,much more than of Israel.

    • 1 4
      Aluf Benn and the inconsistencies in his article.>
      • Richard Tomas
      • 13.02.11
      • 16:56

      You are right,so ios zionist fore ever reminding Aluf Benn's writing as though he has just arrived in Israel forgetting the passed and the fact now with Mubarak gone the future is not the same,for it will be chaotic before they settle their differences..that are also many imponderables.The army will try,but ultimately Egypt needs a decent leader (reminiscent of Sadat|) But where and how to find such a moral man under the the prevailing circumstances. You are quite correct Edifice the biggest uncertnity is with Egypt NOT with Israel.Having said this much can we really accuse BB of fright?Or was it the suddeness of the eruption.Truith to tell I do not think Israel should fear,Egypt.They are in one BIG shambles to overcome and it will take a very long time before they may,just MAY settle into an acommodation enabling to rebuilt what they lost. There has been a deafening silence from the rest of the Arab countries in the ME in particular Saudi Arabia,Gulf states, with the exception of the bully boy Assad,who thinks he is off the hook--I guess his dependance to Hezbollah may be the reason. Funny,should the moderates in Lebanon resort to protest against Hassan that beautiful country can return to its old glory. One thing at a time though..Odd that it began with Tunisia,and yet the insurrectionists are further than satisfied than hitherto.Anyone who thinks there will ever be democracy in the ME is nothing but delusions of grandeur..

  • 18. 34 4
    Moderate vs Con Servative
    • cold water(US)
    • 13.02.11
    • 04:39

    What I do not understand is that Israel and U.S Repubs are hoping for a moderate to lib eral middle east and yet they remain conservative. Would you rather have a Con servative Middle east or Lib eral middle east? Your answer will determine what side of history you are on. :)

  • 17. 38 22
    There is more than one way to skin a cat as the Mullahs are finding out.If Egypt in the future renounces the peace treaty and becomes a hostile power backed by a nuclear Iran
    • PETER SM
    • 13.02.11
    • 04:31

    all bets are off. So who knows what will or wont happen,it can all change with frightenning speed.

  • 16. 65 14
    Egypt and Ally?
    • JohnC
    • 13.02.11
    • 04:09

    So, "the leaders of Israel knew that their left flank was secure as they went out to war, built settlements and negotiated peace on the other fronts". The first part is wrong - Egypt was not a military ally, and did not accept Israeli aggression against other countries. Egypt certainly did not agree with the illegal expansion of Israeli terroritory and settlements. As for peace negotiations on other fronts, you must be joking. Israel never negotiated peace on other fronts, it preferred war.

    • 0 4
      Hey JohnC ...Egypt and Ally? ..Excuse me but,ally or not>
      • James T. U.S.A
      • 13.02.11
      • 17:18

      What does it have to do with Israel's so-called aggression against other countries?which ones would that be john? If you mean Lebanon that is not only an old chestnut but you omitted Hezbollah in the equation .that apart I wasn't aware Egypt owened Israel you stupid buffoon.The settlement issue was not up to Mubarak,nor had HE the power to interfere in that quarter.Get your facts right before making such stupid remarks..not only STUPID but also FALSE.

  • 15. 37 4
    Barking dogs don't bite
    • Ali
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:57

  • 14. 14 3
    PEACE
    • world citizen
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:49

    When did the religion of islam come into play in all this? You said it youself, it was a national PEACEFUL revolution. Why does Israel only think of fear and war? If this historic moment taught the world anything it was people PEACEFUL power, NOT bombing nations and wonder who's on your war side. Shame on Israel, hypocracy is unbecoming.

  • 13. 31 10
    Pure speculation in the guises of news
    • Johnny Wright
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:45

    Not a single fact was sited in this entire article - only conjectures and worse.

  • 12. 86 5
    You better believe it
    • Zack
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:44

    Polls after polls shows that vast majority of Arabs support Iran's nuclear program, and are against any pre-emptive strike against Iran. Many Arabs even think that a nuclear Iran is needed, to offset the current imbalance of power in the Middle East. This is the dawn of a new era in the ME.

  • 11. 69 3
    Netanyahu: Iran can happen in Egypt, so let us not worry about peace with the Palestinians..
    • Logios
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:38

    While what happened in Iran might happen in Egypt, Israel should try to pre-empt such a blow, but that is not what Netanyahu has in mind. President Carter criticized the Shah's human rights record, so the regime was reluctant to use force against the demonstrators, until the Shah fell. We have a repeat performance by Obama and Hillary, so it is possible the regime Nasser built will also fall, and it is possible that the fundamentalist Muslim Brotherhood will take over. Can Israel do something to improve the future? Yes, of course. Proceed to have a peace agreement with the Palestinians! With the Palestinian problem gone, Egypt has no serious problem with Israel, nor will Iran be too excited about Israel. And given that there is no more Soviet Union that can provide advance weaponry to Egypt, a war with Israel is not likely. So do something useful Mr. Nutty Yahoo, instead of the usual empty talk.

    • 5 0
      Even with the Muslim Brotherhood in power, Egypt will receive advanced weapons
      • Mark B. / Amsterdam - EU
      • 13.02.11
      • 06:35

      The key word is Iran. An ISlamist Sunni Egypt will still be needed to counterbalance Iran. If US aid will stop, the Saudi's will step in as financier and the Russians (they still do built modern weapons and jets) and/or the Cinese as weapon deliverers. And there still is Iraq and the threat to Israel, Saudi-Arabia, Egypt and the West in general that Shi'ites will take power after US withdrawal. Egypt may be forced to compete with Iran and a future Iraq on who is best bully to Israel to gain support and legitimacy for it's rulers from Egyptian and other Arab populations. But indeed, te solution is peace with the Pals and after that a renewed Israeli-Egyptian bond to counter Iran together, if posiible with PA / Fatah included. Economic integration of Israel in the anti-Iranian Arab camp and therte is Syria to win as welll afer peace. Alas, Israel has become like the Pals were in the past:: chasing a non-possible goal ( Greater Israel like the Pals wanted Greater Palestine), only stalling and cheeting (peace) for that (setllements) while missing opportunities for real peace and security without seeing what harm they bring on their cause for the longterm.

  • 10. 55 0
    nonsense
    • kr
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:37

    so you think the world should be run by dynasties? how progressive. this is what the world is trying to free itself from. I wish egypt peace and successful transition to civilian and popular government

  • 9. 88 7
    Israeli strike on Iran 'averted',
    • John Macassey
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:35

    A democratic government in Egypt must be bad news for the current Israeli regime indeed. A democratic Egypt would ensure that pleas for justice for the Palestinians will no longer fall upon deaf ears. Perhaps we shall see a more serious attempt by Israel to respect Palestinian rights to independent nationhood and a little action towards that end for a change.

  • 8. 72 3
  • 7. 55 66
    Bring it on.
    • Charles Smyth
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:26

    Hosni Mubarak is 82 and has serious health problems, which makes it highly unlikely that Egypt would have remained an oasis of stability, for much longer. Omar Suleiman is 74, which is also an impediment to long-term stability. And Gamal Mubarak neither has any interest in the position of president, nor does he have any support from the Egyptian military or intelligence services. So Benjamin Netanyahu need not be at all afraid that Israel has lost Egypt as a bulwark against Islamist hostility, it is a certainty, that must be confronted, given that Egypt's Islamists will have control of a formidable force-on-force military, including 300 F16s. Thus, Israel would have to wipe out that capability, prior to the annexation of the Sinai peninsula and south Lebanon, up to the Litani river, before making a pre-emptive strike, on Iran. And not dismissing the possibility that Islamist Turkey, might enjoin, the action.

    • 2 6
      "Charles": May I ask what you smoked?
      • Truly Inspired
      • 13.02.11
      • 06:08

      Your arguments are simply rubbish, contradictory and inconsistent. For one, the Egyptian military are preparing for some "house-cleaning". For two, the Egyptian military and the Muslim Brotherhood have an incestuous relationship. Most of the generals are members of this sect. For three, the Egyptian military consider Iran as a bigger threat than Israel. For four, the Egyptian military does not want to endanger US funding.

    • 7 0
      Your views seems to be from 70's...
      • zulu
      • 13.02.11
      • 07:15

      Iran has regular armed forces and missiles that aims at major Israeli cities and Dimona nuclear facilities. And some more now they have capabilities to strike and destroy satellites. In this modern period, it's impossible for Israel to keep their deterring image...

  • 6. 38 46
    americas lap dog
    • steve
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:25

    i long for the day when Israel can tell the usa to shove it and get on with what needs to be done. a more multi faced regime than the usa has yet to be spawned.

    • 24 4
      I long for the day when the American people
      • aristeides
      • 13.02.11
      • 05:24

      can tell Israel to shove it and face the world without our military to proect them and our money to bankroll the occupation. America needs to kick out AIPAC like Egyptians kicked out Mubarak.

    • 1 7
      Your dumb. How many countries and dictators does America support?? Many
      • DB
      • 13.02.11
      • 17:02

      Do you think the US military really protects Israel....If they do whats wrong with that? How come its ok for US troops to directly protect South Korea and have a treaty with them, which requires the US to fight if war breaks out on the peninsula. Same thing with the US relationship with Taiwan. What about the massive US assistance to Pakistan, which is greater than Israel's aid, are they saints? However, its only Israel that must not get American indirect support.

    • 8 1
      adam1@hotmail.co.uk
      • Adam
      • 13.02.11
      • 19:49

      thats because unlike Israel neither Pakistan nor South korea treat a large part of the citizens as second or third class ciitizens. More so neither Pakistan nor Sounth Korea are occupying other poepls land and killing them in the process.

  • 5. 65 59
    Strike
    • Zyx
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:19

    Who says Israel can not rely on the tacit agreement to its actions on its western border. A strike is passé anyway (like Haaretz columns). Stuxnet and other fun tricks will do the job and the iranian nazi theocratic dictature will be swept away before they get the bomb. The Iranians are fed up with it

  • 4. 25 5
    Really??
    • Norm
    • 13.02.11
    • 03:12

    Easily the biggest leap of conjecture, ever.

  • 3. 74 69
    Egypt can't do nothing against an Israli strike in Iran
    • Yossi Algol
    • 13.02.11
    • 02:53

    Now with Mubarak out of the power in Egypt this will put Israel in a hard situation, but i think we continue being possible to strike Iran, because the Sunni people won't be very happy with a chii country as Iran with nuclear weapons. But think about this, what will make Egypt if Israel strike Iran? the answer is NOTHING, they can be against this strike but they don't have power in the decision of Israel, I think that the Egypt revolution can't be taken as an argument to not make the strike. Obviusly now that Mubarak is gone will make things harder, but Israel can with this situation, and more now that the army in Egypt said that they will repect the peace with Israel.

    • 68 8
      Seriously!!!
      • Peter USA
      • 13.02.11
      • 04:45

      If israeLIES want a war with Iran, Let them deal with it. Just dont involve the US.

    • 10 0
      answer to Yossi Alqol
      • adam
      • 13.02.11
      • 06:56

      you are talking about israel attacking Iran now because Mubarark has gone, whether you are insane or not knowing anything about the consequences.look at your neighbours, look at your allies. can Israel dare to do this.

    • 8 0
      Egypt could ...
      • Paul
      • 13.02.11
      • 14:06

      just open its border with Gaza for trade in food and building supplys ....bet that would make a difference in a potential strike on Iran

    • 5 11
      We don't want a war, but we should protect our people
      • YossiAglol(Israel)
      • 13.02.11
      • 14:30

      USA won't get involve in a war against Iran just to protect Israel, they can't let an Iran with nuclear weapons, that would be a very big problem not only to Israel, it would be a problem for USA and Europe too.

    • 4 0
      Yossia, Iran a problem for America?
      • Elmer
      • 13.02.11
      • 19:25

      Do you really think Iran will attack America??

    • 3 2
      to # 3 Yossi Algol
      • rya
      • 13.02.11
      • 19:55

      Are you sure? all polls since Ahmadinejad gives the same: ahmadinedjad the most popular man in the Arab world with Nasrallah and Erdogan, and the majority consider a nuclear Iran as a good thing. do a simple search on google to be sur

    • 3 0
      to # 3 Yossi Algol
      • rya
      • 13.02.11
      • 19:59

      you really think that the next Egyptian regime will give you permission to cross the Suez Canal to join the Red Sea and vice versa? I have a serious doubt about this. without the Suez Canal the choice is simple either you break up your ships between north and south or you want to iran and you must go along africa which is quite annoying because your submarines and ships are conventionally powered

    • 2 0
      to # 3 Yossi Algol
      • rya
      • 13.02.11
      • 20:04

      the Egyptian army is in place up until September, she can not speak for the long term, a government ElBaradei, in coalition with the brothers or demorate Egyptians, who are very attached to the palestinian question will certainly not ally that was

    • 0 1
      REPONSE
      • to #3
      • 13.02.11
      • 20:11

      the Egyptian army is in place up until September, she can not speak for the long term, a government ElBaradei, in coalition with the brothers or demorate Egyptians, who are very attached to the palestinian question will certainly not a good ally as moubarak

  • 2. 96 5
    For this reason, if no other,
    • aristeides
    • 13.02.11
    • 02:40

    the Egyptian revolution is a victory for humanity.

  • 1. 108 138
    There never was an Israeli strike on Iran
    • Colin Wright (USA)
    • 13.02.11
    • 02:36

    At least, not until Lieberman became premier. Aside from the obvious effect of enraging everyone in the Middle East, it would have driven a wedge between the US and Israel. What Israel was angling for was for the UNITED STATES to make the strike. That would have driven us closer to Israel -- and deflected some of the rage onto us.