Sarkozy Pushes for Diplomacy as Iranian Rhetoric Worsens

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has pledged not to compromise on Israel’s security. According to the JTA’s Devorah Lauter, he called Israel a “miracle” and declared that he would not stand for the “questioning of Israel’s security.” Yet, he stopped short of declaring support for military action against Iran. Like American President Barack Obama, he said that the solution to the Israeli-Iranian dispute over Iran’s nuclear weapon’s program should be diplomatic, rather than military.

Furthermore, critics of Sarkozy have voiced doubt about the president’s commitment to Israel. Earlier this year, at the G20 summit, Sarkozy told Obama that Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu was a liar and stated that he “could not bear him.” Sarkozy also supported Palestinian membership in UNESCO – a move that disappointed much of France’s Jewish community.

Yet, the French elections are approaching, and recent polls show Sarkozy trailing his socialist opponent Francois Holland by double digits. Holland is considered a pro-Israel candidate, and has taken part in Pro-Israel rallies. But whether he would support Israel militarily remains to be seen. He did not object to Sarkozy’s statement that the solution to the dispute between Israel and Iran should be diplomatic.

But, as Israel’s allies increasingly stress the importance of diplomacy in the dispute, Iran’s rhetoric is becoming increasingly threatening and aggressive. According to The Wall Street Journal, Iran has threatened to take war beyond the borders of the Middle East and to strike at Israeli’s worldwide. Indeed, says WSJ writer Alan M. Dershowitz, American officials believe that Iran plans to strike Israeli embassies, consulates and places of worship. Iranian newspapers linked to the government have called for the destruction – not only of Israel – but of the Israeli people.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that Iran would resist sanctions and would not stop pursuing its nuclear program. Instead, he said that Iran would soon announce to the world “very major” nuclear achievements. He vowed to turn Israel to dust if it attempted to stop Iran in any way. Israel, for its part, said that if sanctions failed, “all options” would be on the table.