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So, where is the threat?

"Forgive me for being confused, but exactly what are the clear and present dangers facing the State of Israel? According to Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations Gabriella Shalev, her government’s main goal at this week’s UN General Assembly meeting is to show the world how dangerous Iran is.

With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to give what his aides say will be a “dramatic” speech to the UN on Thursday, Shalev said the Iranian threat would be the main focus.

“We know Iran is a dangerous country,” Shalev said on Monday. “We stress and we emphasize that Iran is not only a threat to Israel, it’s a global threat.”

Israeli diplomats, Shalev added, would meet with their Australian counterparts and officials from other countries, to make them understand “the challenges Israel is facing in a very crucial time”.

Perhaps Shalev should leave time in her schedule to make sure Israel’s Defence Minister Ehud Barak also understands exactly what those challenges are.

Last Friday, according to Jewish New Year’s tradition, Barak gave an interview to Israel’s biggest selling newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.

Instead of the usual palaver about the threats facing Israel, Barak surprised his questioners with this frank admission.

“Iran does not pose an existential threat to Israel,” said Barak."

This piece by the SMHs' National Time's correspondent in Jerusalem is direct and honest. Forget all the Israeli hyperbole, propaganda and PR! Israel could not be more secure - as its own Defence Minister says.

Read the full piece here.

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