President Barack Obama intends to begin direct negotiations with Iran in merely a few months time. This declaration directly compromises Israeli politicians’ statements that Israel would prohibit Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon at any cost. Obama stated at a news conference Feb. 9:
“[a]nd my expectation is in the coming months we will be looking for openings that can be created where we can start sitting across the table, face to face, diplomatic overtures that will allow us to move our policy in a new direction.”
Regardless of Obama’s intent on negotiations, he decidedly criticized Iran for supporting terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hizballah, actions Obama described as “unacceptable.”
Further, Syria intends to deliver SA-8 anti-aircraft missiles to Hizballah, a crucial military asset to repel the devastating attack capability of the Israeli air force. However, through backchannels, Israel warned Syria that a shipment of these weapons would further conflict the tense relationship between the two countries which have been engaged in peace negotiations through Turkey.
On the economic front… the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange dropped approximately 2 percent following the elections and U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner’s comments on the economy.
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Foreign Minister and Kadima Chairman Tzipi Livni isn’t the only Israeli woman featured significantly in the news of late. Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli appeared prominently on the cover of this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition.
