Israel and Iran: From war of words to words of war?

Briefing Paper
Yossi Mekelberg, March 2007

Israel sees Iran as an existential threat: while Israel would like the nuclear issue to be resolved diplomatically, it would also seriously consider resorting to military action.
An Israeli military operation against Iran would hurt Israel's long-term interests. It would be detrimental to Israel's overall security and the political and economic consequences would be dire and far-reaching.
Iran might retaliate to an Israeli attack by launching missiles against Israeli population centres.
If diplomacy fails, Israel could consider open deterrence instead of the military option.