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An American Base on Israeli Territory?

[Ha'aretz] Aluf Benn - The agreement last month for the deployment of a U.S. radar system in the Negev, which will bolster Israel's defense against Iranian or Syrian surface-to-surface ballistic missiles, will have historical significance as the first American base on Israeli territory. Israel has always had reservations about such a possibility and preferred to "defend itself by itself" and retain maximum freedom of action. The radar will be operated by civilians employed by the company that builds the system, and by two U.S. soldiers. Anyone who tries to attack Israel with missiles will consider the radar a priority target. Anyone attempting such a strike will have to take into account the likelihood of harming the American crew, and the implications of such an action. This will increase Israel's deterrence, to a certain extent. Israel, too, will have to take into account the risk to the lives of the American radar operators. Israel will not be able to take action without early and explicit approval from the White House. The minute the base is set up, it will be like handcuffs on Israel's freedom of action.
2008-08-28 01:00:00
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