You are absolutely correct, Reg.  If Israel detects a direct threat by Iranian nukes, they will certainly do that,  just like they did with that reactor(s) a few years ago.  So what?  

Well, I think it's rather a fragile situation there right now and I think those kind of hostilities would lead to serious mayhem in the region. I think it raises the chances of a serious WMD strike...if not several. I think it also puts the United States in an even more difficult position, so I'd say that's what.  

Seeing as whatever comes out of those nukes is likely bound for Israel, I think they would be foolish not to destroy the nukes.  If Country "X" (hypothetical situation here...bear with me, who is bordering or reasonably close to US), has nukes, and doesn't like the USA, should the US, just sit back and twiddle it's thumbs letting the fucking things continue to grow, or should the US destroy them?  

I think we need to have set a priority of preventing nuclear proliferation...Kerry discussed it during the debate...but this needs to be an across the board policy to include Israel and also include the USA not building any more nuclear weapons for our own use...tactical nukes for example. Our present policy has got us on collision course with some horrific event taking place. Live by the sword, die by the sword...right?

Your second scenario, Iran fires back, Israel retaliates, it's "self-defense"...maybe.  It could escalate, but although I believe fully that Israel has nuclear weapons or ready capability, I don't think they would launch a  nuclear strike.  Total annihilation is rather contrary to Jewish thought for one thing, and,   if they were thinking that way (ie the way their Arab neighbors think most of the time as regards Israel), they would have nuked all of them to cinders long ago.  But...they haven't. 

No they haven't...yet. My problem is that with Bushco now preaching the doctrine of preemption (albeit in a half assed way), we have raised the stakes and emboldened Israel and other nations as well. It's far more likely now that Israel or Iran or Syria or North Korea or Pakistan, would suddenly decide..feeling threatened in these tense times...to go ahead and launch a preemptive strike themselves. So perhaps in the past Israel may have held back but under present conditions I think it's likely (and it would seem endorsed by the USA) that they would use a WMD. It may be contrary to Jewish thought but we're talking about government officials...who would likely act on what they see as in their best interests rather than frame the decision with theology.   

Now, on the other hand, if Iran, Iraq, Egypt or Syria had a nuclear arsenal...wammo..bye, bye Israel.   Sooo...fire the bunkers at the Iranian nukes?  Bet on it.  

Iran is very close if they don't have them already. That's the point though...we need to get these nations to disarm and looking the other way for Israel, or worse selling them more weapons, ain't gonna help the situation.

Oh, BTW...Israel does not really listen to what the US says, or to other nations who admonish them, never has,...that's why they still exist. 

Well, they are supposed to be our pals and if they want to help fight the war on terror they should be willing to sit and talk with us. We've always backed them up, time to return some favors.

So even if the US continues to scold them from time to time, (whether it be George Bush or John Kerry or perish the thought, Ralph Nader), it won't really matter, so don't let that raise your blood pressure.  

It's not but I do think it's an item that our politicians just won't touch. I think it plays a large part in where we are at in the Middel East as well. It's a very flawed relationship and it works to their advantage while hindering us and any sort of peace process.

Also, I don't think a US military invasion of Israel is a likely scenario if Israel doesn't "behave"; the US troops might not win anyhow.  

Nor do I. It would never happen and it shouldn't. We do need to get them to put their cards on the table though and take an across the board postion. This is foolishness the way we're going at things right now.

And when it comes to the US Air Force vs the Israeli Air Force, don't make me laugh.  

I really don't know what to say to that but it will never happen.

Now, Uncle Sam could embargo or not give 'em any more weapons (doubt that also), but then I gotta funny feeling Israel will find other ways to survive, they always have.  

Well, technically we should already be at the embargo, don't sell 'em any weapons point...they have an undeclared nuclear program. I don't want hostilities with Israel, I just think we need to deal with them with an even hand. We should not have to get to a point where it turns hostile with them...we've had their back for years and they know it. We should be able to count on them not worry about what the hell they might do next. I just think it's a joke that we're selling them bombs that the whole world knows are to take out Iranian weapons facilities. It's like we're saying "fuck it...let's get 'em all to wipe eachother out and we'll pave the whole damn place."

Why would we set up that sort of situation?