Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
|
Edition:
U.S.
Article
Comments (6)
Save
Email
Print
Reprints
Most Popular
Most Shared
Iran fuel deal would not fix nuclear issue-France
17 May 2010
Iran says will continue 20 percent enrichment
17 May 2010
Pesticides tied to ADHD in children in U.S. study
17 May 2010
Apple's iPhone replaces BlackBerry for some bankers
17 May 2010
U.S. reverses stance on treaty to regulate arms trade
14 Oct 2009
BP says turns corner in oil spill
| Video
17 May 2010
Europe blocks U.S. emergency exit door
16 May 2010
Wall St recovers late to edge up on bargain hunting
17 May 2010
Thai troops close in on protest encampment
| Video
17 May 2010
Supreme Court bars some life terms for juveniles
17 May 2010
Pesticides tied to ADHD in children in U.S. study
17 May 2010
Apple's iPhone replaces BlackBerry for some bankers
17 May 2010
U.S. reverses stance on treaty to regulate arms trade
14 Oct 2009
Iran says will continue 20 percent enrichment
17 May 2010
Study suggests processed meat a real health risk
17 May 2010
Supreme Court bars some life terms for juveniles
17 May 2010
Worst may be yet to come in deepening Thai crisis
17 May 2010
WHO study has no clear answer on phones and cancer
16 May 2010
Thai troops close in on protest encampment
| Video
17 May 2010
Amorous Aussie roo has outback residents hopping
14 May 2010
Live Event
Afghanistan: The way forward
Join us from 6:45 pm ET on Tuesday, May 18 for a unique, open and frank on-the-record debate in which our panel of experts, steeped in experience of the Afghan conflict, will lead a discussion on the options for Afghanistan’s future and the wider strategic picture. Live Coverage
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
Dan Williams
HERZLIYA, Israel
Mon May 17, 2010 5:21pm EDT
Related News
Timeline: Iran's nuclear program
Mon, May 17 2010
Israel sees no discord with U.S. on nuclear issue
Tue, May 11 2010
Israel primed for war on Iran: Netanyahu deputy
Mon, May 10 2010
Israel won't move on U.N. call for nuclear-free zone
Fri, May 7 2010
Iran accepts Brazil mediation to revive atom deal
Wed, May 5 2010
HERZLIYA, Israel (Reuters) - A nuclear-armed Iran would blunt Israel's military autonomy, a wargame involving former Israeli generals and diplomats has concluded, though some players predicted Tehran would also exercise restraint.
World
Sunday's event at a campus north of Tel Aviv followed other high-profile Iran simulations in Israel and the United States in recent months. But it broke new ground by assuming the existence of what both countries have pledged to prevent: an Iranian bomb.
"Iranian deterrence proved dizzyingly effective," Eitan Ben-Eliahu, a retired air force commander who played the Israeli defense minister, said in his summary of the 20-team meeting at the Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Lauder School of Government.
Though the wargame saw Iran declaring itself a nuclear power in 2011, the ensuing confrontations were by proxy, in Lebanon.
In one, emboldened Hezbollah guerrillas fired missiles at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv. That was followed by U.S. and Israeli intelligence findings that Iran had slipped radioactive materials to its Lebanese cohort, to assemble a crude device.
Neither move drew Israeli attacks, though Ben-Eliahu said his delegation had received discreet encouragement from Arab rivals of Iran to "go all the way" in retaliating.
Instead, Israel conferred with the United States, which publicly supported its ally's "right to self-defense" and mobilized military reinforcements for the region while quietly insisting the Israelis stand down to give crisis talks a chance.
"As far as the United States was concerned, Israel was trigger-happy. It sought to use the Hezbollah (missile) attack as justification for what the United States was told would be an all-out war," said Dan Kurtzer, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel who flew in to play President Barack Obama at the IDC.
Kurtzer voiced satisfaction with his team's response to the "dirty bomb," which entailed cajoling U.N. Security Council powers into mounting an armed intervention against Hezbollah.
"Countries like China and Russia have their own terrorists, and don't want to see them getting nuclear weapons," he said.
"In certain circumstances, agile U.S. diplomacy can actually work in this region, and it ends up not only leaving Israel in check but it also ends up (with Washington) leading a willing international coalition."
STRATEGIC BALANCE
Those playing Iran and Hezbollah went as far as to question the very premise that Tehran would let the Lebanese guerrillas goad Israel into a potentially catastrophic fight, or give the nuclear know-how that would worry even sympathizers like Syria.
Aharon Zeevi-Farkash, a retired Israeli intelligence chief acting as Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, insisted Iran would regard its bomb as a means of "self-defense and strategic balance" -- an allusion to Israel's own, assumed atomic arsenal.
Such assessments are seldom voiced by Israel's rightist government, which describes a nuclear-armed Iran as a mortal danger. Where Israeli officials would once make veiled threats to strike Iran, now they often try to warn the West against accommodating their foe, which denies seeking atomic weapons.
In what appeared to signal government discomfort with the wargame, a senior Israeli defense official who had been due to attend withdrew at short notice. A Foreign Ministry spokesman said a written summary would be studied at government-level.
That left Tzipi Livni, the centrist head of Israel's opposition, as the most prominent observer of the IDC event.
"As leader of the free world, the United States has the responsibility of leading more effective sanctions that can turn around, absolutely, this shift from a process of stopping (Iran's nuclear aims) to a process of acceptance," she said.
While the simulation found no immediate international drive to tackle Iran, Kurtzer attributed this to passive factors such as U.S. war-fatigue. He complained of a failure to address ramifications such as a nuclear arms race among Arab powers.
Some of the participants -- including those playing Israel, the Palestinians and Syria -- saw an opportunity for renewed Middle East peacemaking that might head off Iran's ascendancy.
"This was tactical, but of course tactics can often serve real strategic interests, both for us and for the Americans," said Zalman Shoval, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, after playing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
World
Comments
See All Comments (6) | Post Comment
May 17, 2010 6:14pm EDT
I don’t want a single Israeli weapon caught sitting on its launch platform when the real shooting starts!
captainjim
Report As Abusive
May 17, 2010 6:30pm EDT
Is Israel still around? Uggg the more and more I read, the more I want to side with Iran. Oops that probably put me on the terrorist watch list.
Fleetfoxxx
Report As Abusive
May 17, 2010 6:42pm EDT
Its funny how every aggressive imperialist act is dependent on rehashing in some new form the same old lie about “threats” and “weapons of mass destruction.” The only real Nuclear threat is the United States and Israel with their huge nuclear arsenals and a record of violence.
Rfairb
Report As Abusive
May 17, 2010 8:40pm EDT
It’s amazing. Israel plays a simulated war game in which the US is goaded along like some helpless mindless blind ogre to go against Iran, and fight another Middle East war for Israel.
boreal
Report As Abusive
May 17, 2010 8:43pm EDT
The world needs a Nuremberg II Trial. The world’s turmoil is again caused by Europe – who established and created a host of fictional Arab states 120 years ago when oil was discovered, and signed secretive, corrupt contracts with dictatorial Regimes which have spread terror to retain their thrones. Palestine and Pakistan are robbed countries, fostered by Europe to please the Arab regimes it created. Palestine is the name Europe originally dumped on Judea in 70 CE – the Jewish homeland, not an Islamic or Arab one. Europe is engaged in a PC Holocaust against Israel today – only this is done at the UN instead of Europe’s death camps. At least the Nazis were honest about it.
BUTseriously
Report As Abusive
May 17, 2010 10:30pm EDT
I think Israel has been block bully long enough..now comes the new game..
gramps
Report As Abusive
See All Comments (6)
Add a Comment
*We welcome comments that advance the story directly or with relevant tangential information. We try to block comments that use offensive language or appear to be spam and review comments frequently to ensure they meet our standards. If you see a comment that you believe is irrelevant or inappropriate, you can flag it to our editors by using the report abuse links. Views expressed in the comments do not represent those of Reuters.
© Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters
Editorial Editions:
Africa
Arabic
Argentina
Brazil
Canada
China
France
Germany
India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Mexico
Russia
Spain
United Kingdom
United States
Reuters
Contact Us
Advertise With Us
Help
Journalism Handbook
Archive
Site Index
Video Index
Analyst Research
Mobile
Newsletters
RSS
Podcasts
Widgets
Your View
Labs
Thomson Reuters
Copyright
Disclaimer
Privacy
Professional Products
Professional Products Support
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
Careers
Online Products
Acquisitions Monthly
Buyouts
Venture Capital Journal
International Financing Review
Project Finance International
PEhub.com
PE Week
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 US says Iran nuclear deal will not halt new sanctions drive
Iran makes nuclear offer, but West unconvinced
Floods kill six as rains batter Europe
US-TECH Summary
Germany steps up demands for debt cutting campaign
Microsoft to pay VirnetX 200 million dollars in patent case
Greece PM says 'not begging' ahead of EU loan
Iraq official alleges Qaeda plotted World Cup attack
|
Cannes films tap drama of financial crisis
Swedish court orders release of filesharer identities
Oceans' fish could disappear in 40 years: UN
Russia's Medvedev cozies up to Ukraine with visit
|
Electronics makers face shortage of LCD panels for TV: Sharp
Tube suctioning one-fifth of spewing oil: BP executive
Homebuilder Sentiment Ticks Higher In May
Cops and narcos playground games for Mexico kids
|
Top U.S. carriers plot faster gadgets, services
AHN | All Headline News | News service for the digital world. News for web, wireless and digital signage.
GM returns to profit in 2010 first quarter
High Court Bans Life Without Parole for Youthful Criminals
Lowe's Q1 Profit Tops Estimates, Guidance Disappoints
Six Chinese women hurt in cleaver attack: report
|
Something Corporate Announce Reunion Tour Dates
YouTube Daily Downloads Reach More Than 2 Billion
Yemen launches operation to free hostages: website
|
Country Music Stars Raise $1.7 Million For Nashville Flood Victims
Metric Talks Writing Theme Song For "Eclipse" Soundtrack
BREAKING: Supreme Court Rules Sex Offenders Can Be Held Indefinitely
Sleep Apnea Shown To Increase Insulin Resistance
BP says tube is containing one fifth of oil spill
Rapper Pitbull Cancels Arizona Tour Date In Protest Of Immigration Laws
Search for downed Afghan plane to resume at dawn
UN urges Thailand to 'step back from brink'
Thai Red Shirt offers ceasefire as deadline passes
Afghan passenger plane crashes with 44 on board
Thai troops close in on protest encampment
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case
|
At least 35 die as Maoists blow up bus in India
1 American on Afghan plane that crashed
Afghan troops free kidnapped UN workers
China boosts US debt holdings for first time in six months
Six Chinese women hurt in cleaver attack
Nissan says to sell Leaf electric car for under 30,000 euros
Rebels blow up bus in India, killing at least 35
Japan escalates fight against foot-and-mouth
Samsung Electronics announces record spending
Indonesian filmmaker documents Obama's childhood
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Fox shakes up "Idol", makes Simon replacement priority
Fox shakes up Idol, makes Simon replacement priority
|
Morocco resists Islamist calls to ban Elton John
Morocco resists Islamist calls to ban Elton John
|
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case
Fox rolls out four new comedies
|
Movie mutts in Cannes dog fight
Frears takes comic strip 'Tamara Drewe' to Cannes
U.S. court won't hear Cablevision/FCC must-carry case
|
Behind joy, anger at oil companies boils in Louisiana
YouTube serving up two billion videos daily
S.Lanka seeks harmony between elephants and humans
Student's headscarf sparks debate over Kosovo identity
Suicide attack kills over 20 in Afghan capital
Saudis free two German girls kidnapped in Yemen
Thai troops close in on protest encampment
|
Nintendo, American heart group join to tackle obesity
Jailed Russian oil tycoon declares hunger strike
Announcement possible as North Korea recalls parliament
|
MySpace simplifies settings as Facebook criticised
Suicide bomb kills 20 in Afghan capital
Euro chief backs EU plans to vet national budgets
E-readers, tablet computers set to take off: BCG survey
Rescuers resume search for crashed Afghan plane
Nickelodeon To Air 18th Season Of "Power Rangers" In 2011
"The Graduate" Director Mike Nichols To Receive AFI Life Achievement Award
China jails tycoon Huang 14 years for illegal business dealings
|
Google faces probes over data it collected: report
Spike TV's "Guy's Choice" To Present Comedy Award To Chris Rock
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
China targets Tibet artists, intellectuals: report
|
Two Children Choke To Death On Chinese Made Toy Darts; Prompts Nationwide Recall
Immigration Court Grants Obamas Aunt's Second Asylum Bid
Israel plays wargame assuming Iran has nuclear bomb
|
First Lady Michelle Obama Announces New Weight Loss Partnership
President Obama Nominates Pistole To Lead The TSA
U.S. Markets Rally Positive On Euro Bounce
India to review anti-Maoist strategy
Two U.S. senators in jeopardy on big day of voting
At least 3 dead in suicide car bomb in Kabul
Google faces probes over data it collected: report
|
Bomb attack kills 12 in Pakistan town: doctor
Malaysia expects Indonesia to end freeze on maids
Nippon Steel and Ternium to set up plant in Mexico
India struggles to count its millions
Woman dies after latest China cleaver attack
Japan PM admits fault in handling cattle disease
Bomb kills 11 people in northwestern Pakistan
Euro remains under pressure in Asia
Suicide bomber kills 12 people in NW Pakistan
Seoul shares extend losses; Hynix, Kia Motors drop
JAL eyes return to operating profit: report
Sheen returns to "Two and a Half Men": reports
BoJ to offer low-rate growth-boost loans: report
PREVIEW-New Zealand to raise spending modestly and cut taxes
UK director Frears tackles comic adaptation
Frothy "Heartbeats" fun, if not taken too seriously
Cannes films mine financial collapse for material
Vatican defence in US abuse case draws angry response
Chinese appliance tycoon jailed for 14 years
Cannes zooms in on Iran's troubled filmmakers
Studio loses key ruling in battle with soul icon
US Commerce Secretary leads trade mission to China
Spanish film "Biutiful" stands out in Cannes crowd
Spanish film Biutiful stands out in Cannes crowd
|
VH1 airs Bret Michaels special, delays reality show
Sheen returns to Two and a Half Men: reports
|
PAKISTAN
Cannes films mine financial collapse for material
|
Studio loses key ruling in battle with soul icon
|
UK director Frears tackles comic adaptation
|
Sarah McLachlan says Lilith sales pretty soft
|
Frothy Heartbeats fun, if not taken too seriously
|
VH1 airs Bret Michaels special, delays reality show
|
Greece gets first 14.5 bln euros of EU rescue loans
France frees Iranian killer amid deal controversy
Google offers $68.2m for Norwegian GIPS
Suicide attacker kills at least 18 in Afghan capital
|
Greece gets first 14.5 bln euros of EU rescue loans
Major powers agree on Iran resolution: Clinton
|
Turkey working to reach 30 trapped after mine blast
EU-Latin America summit opens with trade deal
Egyptians go online to seek political change
Vodafone profit almost trebles to £8.6 billion
BBC says sorry for queen death joke
US Officials Visit Pakistan; Discuss NY Bombing Attempt
France releases Iranian assassin amid deal controversy
Google buys Norwegian audio-video tech provider
EU-Latin America summit opens in Madrid
Russia woos Ukraine on security bloc
|
Multi-Album Series NOW 34 And Patriotic Country Collection To Be Released June 15
Microsoft adds new tools, features to Hotmail
France releases Iranian killer of ex-PM
Third German child taken in Yemen thought dead: family
Karzai says West starts to get Taliban peace push
|
Former New York City Police Commissioner Kerik Begins Prison Term
Iran awaits quick response to nuclear deal
U.S. Army Recalling 44,000 Defective Combat Helmets
Study: End Of Smallpox Vaccinations Aided HIV Spread
Britain's Labour opts for long leadership contest
|
Arkansas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania Hold Primaries
Airline group blasts European handling of volcanic ash
|
Financial Crisis Leads Couple To Suicide Pact
Russia mine boss faces charges after Putin rebuke
|
Processed Meats Up Risks Of Heart Disease And Diabetes, Researchers Say
Study: 9/11 Workers Lost Ability To Smell, Detect Irritants
Detained Kuwaiti blogger ends hunger strike: lawyer
|
Charlie Sheen Signs Deal With Two And A Half Men For 2 More Years
Experts: India becoming dumping ground for e-waste
India offers talks if Maoist rebels stop attacks
Landslide kills 4 Indonesian gold miners
Thai govt says no peace talks unless protests end
Chinese tycoon jailed for graft
Search continues for downed Afghan passenger plane
Taliban suicide bomb hits NATO convoy, kills 18
Google buys Norwegian audio-video tech provider
|
Don't trust politicians: Aussie opposition leader
Egyptians go online to seek political change
|
LED market faces bright outlook but hurdles remain
|
Pakistani stocks, o/n rates end up; rupee weakens
China expects inflation to rise in May, June
Mitsubishi UFJ returns to profitability
Sina's 1Q profit surges on equity gain
US trade mission to China pushes clean energy
China Telecom to sell BlackBerry Storm
Chinese appliance tycoon jailed for 14 years
Rocker Costello cancels Israel gig
Japan banking group Mitsubishi UFJ back in profit
Algeria's Islamist violence stirs Cannes
Zhang Ziyi stars as AIDS patient in new China film
Cannes film market enthusiasm tempered by caution
Shark bite surf princess still making waves
Immigration Court Grants Obamas Aunt's Second Asylum Bid
Cannes film market enthusiasm tempered by caution
|
Placido Domingo says in good health after surgery
|
Iranian director says art is under attack at home
|
Cannes film follows French monks killed in Algeria
|
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights