Much as I wish otherwise, Israel isn't going to stop Iran.

Israel doesn't have the resources to mount a large-scale air assault using conventional weapons.

Politically, Israel cannot launch a 'first-strike' nuclear attack upon Iranian nuclear facilities. Because it would be seen and portrayed as an 'unprovoked' nuclear attack.

Politically, nukes can only be justified in response to a nuclear attack.

That's a huge step forward for the Israeli military. But an advanced form of bunker buster type missiles would really be needed to penetrate the 75 foot deep bunkers that Iran is using to protect their nuclear program sites.

Israel does have special shells able to penetrate the protective armor of Russian tanks that has a two stage explosive. The first charge explodes the protection shell, and the second penetrates the tank. But even this technology seems unlikely to penetrate 75 foot bunkers, so likely some sort of small nuclear weapons would be required to hit bunkers this deep. And the world reaction against Israel having a first strike nuclear attack on another nation, even for self-defense may not be good. But Israel has proven over and over that they do not care about about world opinion when they consider that their self-survival at stake. So if Israel has the technology, you might almost expect it to be used at some point.

when I was just a kid my father taught me to do everything I could to avoid a fight, especially if I was facing long odds (size and/or number of opponents)...until the moment I realized that it was TRULY inevitable.

At that moment I was lash out with everything I had...everything. His theory was that I might not win...but at least I would do some damage before losing.

for Israel, it is becoming TRULY inevitable. Pray for them, and us.

I believe israel will first attack with conventional weapons to a. at least damage some of Iran's capabilities and b. to see what if anything the US will do (we know this answer. Obama will take iran's side most likely).

I would give it another 3-4 days after the initial wave of attacks (which will probably last 3 days) and when Israel has no other choice will then use low yield nukes.

Justrand, add to that the lesson of never hitting a man with an empty hand unless your shoes are glued to floor.

It look almost like a WW II P-38 LIGHTNING

I do not see this a some huge step forward, mainly since they've always been at the leading edge of drone\UAV development. But good for them. This doesn't change the overall calculus for them either, only now, pilot wise, certain contingencies may not be considered near suicide missions.

I'd like to think they are going to get off there arses and act but I still have my doubts, and we know this administration will not lift a finger to aid in such an endeavor.

Iran should understand that Israel is just pursuing these planes to seek out peaceful means of improving their energy supplies. Don't believe it, well then.....