Netanyahu is new Israeli PM and sets his sights on Iran

international | anti-war / imperialism | other press Friday February 20, 2009 16:46 by Yehudi

Right-wing Israeli government replaces Olmert led coalition

Benjamin Netanyahu, the hawkish leader of a right-wing Israeli Coalition has emerged as the new prime-minister of Israel.

"Bibi" as he is known has made it clear that the priority of the Israeli government will be the influence of Iran over Hezbollah and Hamas and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons capability.

Last autumn prior to the December-January war assault on Gaza, hundreds of Israeli warplanes engaged in an exercise over the Mediterranean which is said to have been a rehearsal long range air strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Since the 1973 conflict which led to the defeat of massive Egyptian and Syrian forces, Israel is alleged to have acquired a large nuclear arsenal allowing it to control the balance of power in the Middle East.

President Obama has begun a diplomatic offensive to persuade Iran to abandon its percieved nuclear ambitions but has not ruled out military force.

Israel's new prime minister is sure to complicate matters.

From the AFP news agency:

JERUSALEM (AFP) — Hawkish Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu was tasked on Friday with forming a new Israeli government, fuelling concerns that a right-wing coalition could torpedo the Middle East peace process.

Accepting the nomination from President Shimon Peres, the former premier named Iran as the main threat to Israel's existence and made no direct reference to peace talks with the Palestinians.