Marschall E Holmes & Suzanne F. Matthews 
Israel’s Security, the Iranian Nuclear Threat and U.S. Relations 

Several published reports indicate that top Israeli decision-makers now are seriously considering whether to order a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Israeli officials generally view the prospect of a nuclear-armed Iran as an unacceptable threat to Israeli security, with some viewing it as an existential threat. This book analyzes key factors that may influence current Israeli political decisions relating to a possible strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. These include, the views of and relationships among Israeli leaders; the views of the Israeli public; U.S., regional, and international stances and responses as perceived and anticipated by Israel; Israeli estimates of the potential effectiveness and risks of a possible strike; and responses Israeli leaders anticipate from Iran and Iranian-allied actors, including Hezbollah and Hamas, regionally and internationally.