Former MI chief says best way for president to convey his commitment to preventing nuclear Iran is to visit Israel

Former Military Intelligence Chief Amos Yadlin has called on US President Barack Obama to visit Israel in a gesture that would reaffirm his administration´s commitment to preventing a nuclear Iran.

In an opinion piece published by the Washington Post on Saturday, Yadlin stressed that a direct message from the president could mend the growing rift in the relationship between the two countries and prove not only to Israel but also to Iran, Russia and even Saudi Arabia that the US military option is credible.

"This message, delivered by the president of the United States to the Israeli Knesset, would be far more effective than US officials’ attempts to convey the same sentiment behind closed doors," Yadlin said.

Yadlin, who now heads the Institute for National Security Studies, also details five other steps meant "convince allies and adversaries alike that military action is real, imminent and doable."

First, according to Yaldin, Obama must inform Congress in writing about his intention use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, should diplomacy fail. Secondly, he suggests that Washington should heighten US military presence in the Gulf, order military exercises with its Mideast allies and bolster missile defense deployment in the region.

Next, Washington should arm Israel with military technology and intelligence in order to "strengthen Israel’s military capabilities and extend the window in which Israel can mortally wound Iran’s program."

The final two steps include public statements by US officials about the risks of a nuclear Iran, and a public expression of commitment by Obama to the security of US allies in the gulf.

"Israel cannot afford to outsource its security to another country. But if the United States wants Israel to give sanctions and diplomacy more time, Israelis must know that they will not be left high and dry if these options fail," he concluded. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 08/18/12)