Israel Matzav

Secret preparations and perfect cover

This is a rather lengthy summary of US cables to the State Department regarding Israeli attitudes on Iran's nuclear program. For the most part, I have to say that I've covered it here before, and none of it is really new. But for those who want a quick summary, read the whole thing.

This assessment from the US, however, is new and reassuring.

Public speculation about possible strikes focused on the differences from the Israeli attack on Iraq's Osirak reactor in 1981. "In private," the US embassy reported, "government officials have acknowledged that several factors would make any attack against Iran a much more difficult mission."

It added: "It may not be possible to detect preparations for any military strike. Air defence operations would pose nearly perfect cover for civil defence and air force activities preceding any attack. Due to both the extreme sensitivity of the issue and the government of Israel's near inability to prevent leaks, any attack order would be closely held."

We have civil defense exercises all the time (there's one in Jerusalem from 10:00 - 4:00 on Tuesday that is practicing war scenarios). Most people don't even notice, although today there will be air raid sirens that might clue people in. Perfect cover. Heh.

Labels: Iranian nuclear program, Israeli war preparations, Wikileaks

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 7:53 AM