West must back Israel to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambition

Peter Jennings provides the most sensible analysis of the situation in the Middle East; it should be compulsory reading for all politicians (“Israel left with few choices as Iran raises nuclear threat”, 14/10).

It is naive to think that if Iran had nuclear bombs it would not use them. It achieves the aim of destroying Israel and solves domestic problems in blunting resistance to the rule of the mullahs. It makes it more imperative that the West is not faced with a president Kamala Harris. Donald Trump campaigned against the mullahs and contained their expansion plans. It is also imperative that a Trump presidency is supported by like-minded leaders who are prepared to back his position, with the demise of the Albanese government at the coming election top of the list.

Raymond Watson, Sunnybank Hills, Qld

The Albanese government fails to understand that it is imperative Israel win its war against Iran and its proxies. This is because diplomacy has failed and Israel has been left exposed. UN Resolution 1701, adopted unanimously by the Security Council in August 2006, called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, deploying an armed UN Interim Force in Lebanon to prevent Hezbollah from continuing to operate in southern Lebanese territory. Yet Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets into Israel and prepared an invasion force within sight of UNIFIL observers. Now we learn Iran is a week away from producing nuclear weapons. My hope is a coalition of Western governments will join Israel to put an end to Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Regrettably, Australia is unlikely to play its part.

Allan Kalus, Windsor, Vic

Iran’s missile strike on Israel on October 1, involving more than 200 ballistic and hypersonic missiles, signals a major escalation in Tehran’s intent to destroy the Jewish state. As Peter Jennings writes, Israel is left with no realistic option other than to take pre-emptive military action to dismantle Iran’s nuclear facilities. Diplomatic efforts have failed and delaying further would enable Iran to complete its goal of building a nuclear weapon that would, at the very least, destabilise the Middle East and trigger a regional arms race. Israel, now proven as a key player in global security, has not only defended itself but also has significantly weakened terrorist networks and Iran’s regional influence after facing previous attacks. Key figures such as Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah have been eliminated and Iran’s destabilising ambitions have been disrupted. Instead of urging restraint, the US and a new “coalition of the willing”, perhaps including Sunni Arab nations, should support Israel in neutralising the Iranian threat.

John Kempler, Rose Bay, NSW

The savagery of Hamas on October 7 deeply affected Australia. It was a turning point for cohesion in Australia. The pro-Hamas, pro-Palestinian protests and riots displayed the worst of society and a failure of our immigration program. Rather than condemning Hamas, Greens MPs walked out from parliament – a low point in Australian politics. Now we discover the Nazi-flag-waving pro-Hezbollah restaurateur Al Yazbek has had a change of attitude (“Restaurant founder ‘has form’ ”, 14/10). Apparently he’s now pro-Jewish after justifiable booking cancellations. But finally some good news. The defiance of Sydney Jewish chef Ed Halmagyi and the widespread support he has received is good news (“Community rallies to defiant TV chef after anti-Semitic attack on his bakery”, 14/10). It restores some faith that there is still goodness here in Australia.

Lee Smith, Kenmore, Qld

Hamas and Hezbollah, with the help of their sponsor, Iran, having hijacked Palestinian and Lebanese civilian populations in their territories, built their military infrastructures in highly populated areas. They then target Israeli civilians in their attacks to “free Palestine”. Not only do Islamist terrorists target Israeli civilians they also set up their own civilians as targets in anticipation of Israel’s response, leaving their cities and towns in ruins. In Melbourne’s CBD, pro-Palestine activists, some in Hamas garb and bearing symbols that laud their murderous Islamist heroes, use our streets to vent their hatred of Israel without any regard for the CBD traders, thus leaving them in financial ruin.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East, Vic