Why do Israelis seem ambivalent concerning Iran?

Submitted by Michael S. (United States), Mar 13, 2015 at 04:43

Alan and Jay,

I am curious to know how you two, as Israeli Jews.

I am an American, of Roman Catholic upbringing. The vast majority of my friends support Israel, and see Iran's acquiring nuclear weapons as an existential threat to Israel -- which, in turn, is viewed by us as unquestionably the rightful Jewish homeland. I know that there are some in the US who strongly oppose Israel. I encountered two such people a couple of years ago, and found that their enmity with Israel was part and parcel with a vehement hatred of Jews. That is my background.

Compare what I have just said, with what I see written about Israel. Over there, Mr. Netanyahu, who has championed Israel here against the Iranian threat, is struggling to get re-elected and may even lose to politicians who, like Tzipi Livni, are of a mind to give away the country for free. Moreover, I read in the very pro-Israel DEBKA that the Iranian threat is no longer considered an important issue among many or most Israeli voters. It seems odd to me, that you and your countrymen should think this way.

You must know something that I don't. Please tell me what it is. Thank you.

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