Jerusalem: Likud Member of Knesset Moshe Saada has publicly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, in response to last week’s missile attack by Tehran on Israel. Saada made his call during an interview with Radio 103FM, emphasizing the urgency of a strong response.
“I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu has a historic opportunity to be remembered as a defender of Israel and the West,” Saada stated. “All he needs to do is to attack the nuclear sites. That’s what needs to be done.”
Saada further elaborated on the potential risks if Iran were to possess nuclear weapons: “Imagine if, instead of missiles, Iran had deployed an atomic bomb. Israelis would be scrambling for bomb shelters and water bottles—that wouldn’t be enough.”
While acknowledging the complexity of a direct strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Saada suggested that any such action should be coordinated with the United States. The call for a retaliatory strike comes as tensions continue to escalate, with discussions about Israel’s response expected to feature prominently in high-level meetings between Israeli and U.S. defense officials this week.
Reports indicate that U.S. President Joe Biden has cautioned Israel against targeting Iran’s nuclear program or oil facilities, emphasizing a more measured response. However, Netanyahu has reportedly made a face-to-face meeting with Biden a prerequisite for discussions on Israel’s next steps.
In the wake of the attack, former Israeli Prime Ministers and security experts have voiced differing opinions on how Israel should respond. While there is consensus that retaliation is necessary, opinions vary on the most effective strategy. Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert remarked, “The question is not whether Israel will retaliate, but in which way.”
The situation remains volatile as Israel weighs its options, each with significant implications for the broader Middle East and international relations.
Key Points: Likud Lawmaker Urges Netanyahu to Strike Iranian Nuclear Sites
- Call for Action: Likud MK Moshe Saada has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities following Tehran’s missile attack on Israel last week.
- Urgent Warning: Saada highlighted the potential threat of a nuclear-armed Iran, emphasizing that typical safety measures would be insufficient in the event of a nuclear attack.
- Coordination with U.S.: Saada suggested that any strike on Iran should be coordinated with the United States, although reports indicate President Joe Biden has advised against targeting Iran’s nuclear or oil sites.
- U.S.-Israel Talks: High-level defense discussions between Israeli and U.S. officials are anticipated this week. However, Netanyahu has reportedly set a meeting with Biden as a condition for moving forward with these talks.
- Divergent Opinions: Former Israeli leaders and experts agree on the need for retaliation but are divided on the best course of action, highlighting the complexities of the situation.
