“Time is short. Netanyahu and Barak believe that a strike must take place before the U.S. presidential election in November, and one has to wait a few weeks to at least appear to be giving the new sanctions imposed on Iran earlier this month a chance to work. Therefore, the narrow window of opportunity lies between August and October.

The cabinet – which observers believe nearly always has a majority to support an attack – will only be convened right before the strike to prevent leaks. Both Netanyahu and Barak know there are several people prepared to lie on the tracks to prevent an unnecessary war. First among them is President Shimon Peres, who is liable to go as far as informing the White House if he knew in advance about an attack. In the public arena, there are Meir Dagan, Yuval Diskin and maybe even Gabi Ashkenazi, who will put aside for a moment the Harpaz report considerations to halt the approaching disaster.

But the truly key person, the one who has the power to stymie this foolishness, is the Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz. The State of Israel cannot go to war without the support of the chief of staff, and Gantz, whether by direct confrontation or by dragging his feet, will stand between us and the “only 500 dead,” promised by Ehud Barak.”

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