Israel Matzav: If Israel strikes Iran, US will join?

If Israel strikes Iran, US will join?

Former US Air Force General Charles Wald (pictured, right, with former IDF General Aharon Zeevi Farkash), the former deputy commander of the United States' European command, told the Washington Institute for Near East Policy this weekend that although he does not believe it could do it alone, an Israeli attack on Iran could set back its nuclear program by several years. The more optimistic news is that Wald believes that if Israel does attack Iran, the United States will find it difficult not to join in.

"They have a fantastic military, but not big enough for weeks or months of attacks - hundreds of sorties per day," he said.

Wald said that should "our great ally Israel" decide to take military action to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, "pressure will mount for us to stand by Israel."

He also criticized the U.S. government and military leadership for not devoting enough attention to Iran's nuclear program in recent years due to their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Wald dismissed the possibility - suggested by Obama adviser (and former Carter National Security Adviser) Zbigniew Brzezinski last month - that the United States should shoot down Israeli jets on their way to attack Iran.

"The chance of that," Wald said, "is zero - no, less than zero."

George Bush wasn't enthusiastic about Israel attacking Iran, but I have little doubt that if he were still in power and Israel attacked Iran, he would join in. But Obama? Let's say that I'm afraid that Wald is doing some wishful thinking.

Israel Matzav: If Israel strikes Iran, US will join?