* Israeli analysts are arguing that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not order the killing to protect Israel — but partly to distract attention from the multiple corruption scandals that surround him and to improve his chances in a likely upcoming election.
* More evidence emerges that Iran did not have an active “nuclear weapons program,” despite anonymous assertions in the New York Times and elsewhere.
* News coverage in the West continues to be tarnished by disgusting, inhumane language, such as describing the murder of the Iranian scientist as a “dazzling piece of work.”
* Some newspapers have editorialized against the assassination, but so far the New York Times is silent — five days after the attack.
Chuck Freilich is a hard-headed former deputy Israeli national security adviser. He analyzes the killing at length in Haaretz, and contends that it was not in “Israel’s” interest, but
“It may, however, be in the political and legal interest of the prime minister, who has already used it to at least partially divert attention from his alleged misdeeds in the submarine affair and is engaged in a no-holds-barred effort to remain in office, and stay out of jail, at all costs.”
Israeli analysts believe that Netanyahu’s involvement in “the submarine affair” is the most dangerous of the multiple corruption scandals swirling about him. He may be investigated for bribery associated with the multi-billion purchase of military submarines and naval boats from Germany. Israelis who might overlook his other transgressions will draw the line at corruption involving the nation’s military.