With Iran continuously threatening Israel, including statements claiming its missiles can reach the Dimona nuclear facility, Israel may be increasing preparations for a unilateral strike. Meanwhile the Obama administration continues diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, including discussions with Russia to prevent their technical and material assistance to Iran.
Following his trip to Damascus, Senate Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman John Kerry noted that Syria would consider resuming discussions with Israel over peace between the two nations as well as the Arab peace plan of 2000. He did warn that Syria would not immediately cut ties with Iran, however, in order to strengthen ties with the West and the rest of the Arab World. Similarly, Israel and Turkey began discussions to repair recent rifts in relations, stemming from the Davos economic forum and through comments made by both Israeli and Turkish officials.
