[Marxism] In poll, Israelis divide evenly on attacking Iran now

["Fred Feldman" <ffeldman@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Poll: Half of Israelis back strike on Iran 

Poll conducted by Tel Aviv University institute finds Israelis divided
almost evenly on question of whether to strike Iran's nuclear facilities
immediately or wait and give diplomacy a chance 
Ynetnews 

The Israeli public is split almost evenly between those who support an
immediate strike on Iran's nuclear facilities (51%) and those who believe
that Israel should wait for the results of US engagement before pursuing
alternative paths (49%), a new poll revealed. 
 
The poll, conducted by the Center for Iranian Studies at Tel Aviv University
from a representative sample of 509 Israeli adults, also found that 81% of
the Israeli public believes that Iran will attain a nuclear bomb and 70%
would not consider emigrating from Israel should Iran achieve nuclear
capability. 

However, according to the poll most Israelis (74%) do not believe that the
current American policy of engagement will persuade Iran to change its
course.  

A major difference exists between right-wing and left-wing Israelis
regarding the appropriate Israeli policy. The survey revealed that 38% of
those leaning to the left favor an attack, as opposed to 63% of those
leaning to the right. 

Prof. David Menashri, the director of theCenter for Iranian Studies,
suggested that "the violent language used by President Ahmadinejad and his
assertion of wiping Israel from the pages of history, in addition to Iranian
advancement of its nuclear and ballistic programs, has created a real
concern among Israelis.

"The Israeli public statements and talks of 'existential threat' used by
Israeli leaders to alert the world of its concern, could only add to popular
anxiety. Still, I think it is important to note that half of the population
surveyed (49%) still believe a diplomatic venue should be used."
 
He added, "Ten percent even believe that Israel itself should engage in
diplomatic effort with Iran. When few years ago I suggested that it would be
an Israeli interest to engage Iran, I was sharply criticized. Clearly the
attitude has been changed significantly."
 




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