There is a new opinion piece in the Atlantic titled T
he Coming Middle East Conflagration. Its author is Michael Oren and his credentials are more than impressive.
The picture Oren paints is more than a little disturbing, but I'm even more disturbed by what I sense as the articles subtext, i.e., by the underlying intend of the article, which does not surface until the article's last paragraph:
The message seems pretty clear: IMPEACHMENT IS BAD FOR ISRAEL.
If this is, indeed, the intended message (and I could be way off base here), I doubt that the decision to disseminate such a caution originated with Oren, and I would not be surprised to find Netanyahu among those pulling the strings.
Dunno if you're aware, but in my younger days I used to study a lot of military engagements. Over time that grew more into politics and leadership, but still...the various wars Israel fought in were very interesting to me in terms of strategy.
I think with that in mind, the article makes a couple of fairly simple points which hold true for me.
The IDF has always acted in decisive fashion when threatened. Historically, I think that's the only reason they've avoided destruction, to be honest.
They tread a line now, though, since...as the article articulates...it's entirely possible for enemies to strike, but for decisive countermeasures...or pre-emptive countermeasures...to generate condemnation internationally.
This has, over time, actually not led to major repurcussions. Condemnation is one thing, but the main source (overwhelmingly) of foreign military funding to Israel is the US and by and large they have not placed more prohibitive conditions on military funding over time.
However, if political conditions in the US substantially change...I'm thinking here not just Impeachment, but let's say the Dems win power, with a shift in aid policy at play...it could be a game changer.
It would embolden Iran, and from a military point of view they'd simply needle Israel via proxies. Israel responds in force and they have their cassus belli.
None of the candidates look to likely to remove support for Israel. Some might reduce funding though (Bernie Sanders) and I do worry about Netanyahu's brinksmanship style. It's kinda worked to now (in terms of aid continuing without too many conditions) but the personality of the US leadership is quite possibly about to drastically shift.
Still...I don't see America standing by if there's Iranian aggression. I just doubt the Iranians will be as ham-fisted and obvious as Arab intent in the 40's. Instead they'll use paramilitary forces they can 'plausibly deny'. It will make things murky, and I do agree with the article that any lack of clarity is to Israel's detriment.