| So far Iran has engaged in hostile diatribes against Israel without committing itself to any specific actions. They are like the bully who try to get their buddies to their dirty work.
"Face" is important in the Muslim/Arab world, and this is the reason Israel should ask Iran directly at the UN as to their intentions. I would assume that Iran would respond in some circuitous, vague way that would fall short of any kind of commitment. If Iran is stupid enough to say "yes," then it allows Israel to respond freely to a direct threat. Also an affirmative answer would compel Europe to seriously consider and adopt an economic boycott. Russia and China would also have to step back from this rogue nation.
If Iran backs off and states that it will not declare war, then their denounciations will be considered as hot air. In the Muslim world it will have lost face, and become a target of redicule.
Israel should call Iran's bluff. |