Israelis Downplay Obama’s Offer Of ‘Nuclear Umbrella’

President-elect Barack Obama will offer Israel a “nuclear umbrella” against the threat of nuclear attack by Iran, according to a source close to the new administration who briefed select members of the Israeli media.

Mr. Obama said last Sunday on “Meet The Press” he would negotiate with Iran and would offer economic incentives for Tehran to relinquish its nuclear program.

“What is the significance of such guarantee when it comes from those who hesitated to deal with a non-nuclear Iran?” asked a senior Israeli security source. “What kind of credibility would this [guarantee have] when Iran is nuclear capable?”

A senior Bush administration source said the proposal for an American nuclear umbrella for Israel was ridiculous and lacked credibility.

“Who will convince the citizen in Kansas that the U.S. needs to get mixed up in a nuclear war because Haifa was bombed?” the source asked. “And what is the point of an American response, after Israel’s cities are destroyed in an Iranian nuclear strike?”

The current debate is taking place in light of a recent Israeli military intelligence assessment that Iran has passed beyond the point of no return and has mastered the technology of uranium enrichment.

David Bedein can be reached at dbedein@israelbehindthenews.com.