BARAK REQUESTS ADDITIONAL DEFENSE SUPPORT FROM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TEL AVIV 001199 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PTER OVIP IS SUBJECT: BARAK REQUESTS ADDITIONAL DEFENSE SUPPORT FROM CODEL PELOSI 1.(SBU) SUMMARY: On May 18, Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi,s bi-partisan delegation met with Minister of Defense, Ehud Barak. Barak told CODEL Pelosi that: 1) radical Islamic terror, 2) proliferation of nuclear weapons, and 3) rogue states are the most prominent threats facing the "free world" today and identified Iran as Israel's largest long-term security threat. Barak called on the US congress to approve an upcoming defense package for Israel and requested help in funding the &Iron Dome8 multi-layered rocket defense project. He also expressed the GOI,s desire to be integrated into the Global Early Warning System for missile and rocket attacks. END SUMMARY. 2.(SBU) Barak began the meeting by focusing on Israel,s immediate security situation, saying that many changes in policy were needed in the short term. He stated that Israel must continue efforts to reach an agreement with the Palestinians, though he was not optimistic about this happening anytime in the near future. He said a new strategy for dealing with Gaza would need to be developed in light of Hamas' newest tactic of attacking the territory's own infrastructure and border posts. -------------- THE IRANIAN THREAT -------------- 3.(SBU) Highlighting the flow of support for terrorism from Tehran to Syria, Gaza and Lebanon, Barak identified Iran as central to Israel's long-term security challenges. In spite of the American intelligence assessment on the matter, Barak cautioned the CODEL that Iran's intentions to build a nuclear arsenal were clear. He said that the world must act to prevent this from happening. The minister criticized recent world efforts as heavy in rhetoric but weak in action. Barak said stronger methods should be pursued and all options should be considered. While he doubted the longevity of the Ayatollahs' rule in Iran over the next ten years, Barak cautioned that permitting Iranian nuclear weapons to be developed would pose a great proliferation risk, no matter what regime was controlling Iran in the future. 4.(SBU) He also said that steps must be taken to block Iran from developing the capacity to build light oil distillation plants, thereby preventing any improvements in its economic situation. Barak expressed great concern that Lebanon, Syria, and Iran were becoming increasingly coordinated. He warned that Damascas was biding time, hoping that less pressure would be placed upon it by a new administration in Washington. -------------- ROCKET ATTACK DETERRENT SYSTEM -------------- 5.(SBU) Noting that new technology would increase the range and efficiency of rocket attacks on Israel, Barak said that Israel must develop a multi-layered deterrent system and could only do so with the help of the US. He noted that new "Shihab" rockets were under development and might soon be used to reach further and with greater accuracy into Israel,s civilian population from Iran. Barak requested support for Israel,s membership in the Global Early Warning System. As the threat of an attack by Iran with long range missiles increases, Barak said that Israel's Arrow ballistic missile defense system seeks a 99 percent sucessful interception rate against potential attacks. He also requested US assistance in funding the "Iron Dome" short range rocket defense project. The minister claimed that development of the Iron Dome technology would be beneficial to US defense interests. 6.(SBU) Speaker Pelosi affirmed the US Congress, solid bi-partisan support for Israel,s qualitative military advantage and President Bush,s plan to realize a two-state solution within the year. 7.(U) Accompanying Speaker Pelosi were Representatives: Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Henry Waxman (D-CA), David Drier (R-CA), Gary Ackerman (D-NY), Howard Berman (D-CA), Nita Lowey (D-NY), Alcee Hastings (D-FL), John Larson (D-CT), Adam Putnam (R-FL), Rahm Emanuel (D-IL), Ron Klein (D-FL), and emboff. 8.(U) This cable has been cleared by CODEL Pelosi. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. ********************************************* ******************** JONES