THE TRIDENT DECEPTION
9
Ehud’s eyes narrowed. “Then millions of our people will die, because Iran will use this weapon against us. We can either strike now, before our men, women, and children are murdered, or afterward. If we do not strike first, their deaths will be on your conscience.” The defense minister’s assertion hung in the air as Rosenfeld surveyed his council members, some of them staring back, others with their eyes to the table. Whether they agreed with Ehud or not, they could not avoid the underlying truth. If Iran assembled this weapon, it would eventually be used against Israel. That was something Israel could not allow. But a nuclear first strike! Although the prime minister and his Security Council had the authority to authorize the use of nuclear weapons, morally . . . Rosenfeld looked down one side of the conference table and then the other, examining the faces of the men and women seated around him, eventually returning his attention to Ehud. “Are there are no conventional weapons capable of destroying this complex? Not even in the American arsenal?” Ehud’s lips drew thin. “The Americans have the necessary weapons. But they will not provide them to us while they engage in discussions with Iran.” Ehud’s voice dripped with disdain as he mentioned America’s attempt to convince Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions with mere words. “Do not discount our ally so easily,” Rosenfeld replied. “I will meet with the American ambassador tomorrow and explain the situation.” “You are blind, Levi.” Ehud’s face tightened. “The Americans have abandoned us, and you fail to recognize it.” “That’s enough, Ehud! Provide me with the information on the weapons we need, and I will broach this with the United States.” Ehud nodded tersely. Rosenfeld stood. “Unless there is more to discuss, I’ll see you tomorrow morning.” The council members filed out of the conference room, until only Rosenfeld and Kogen remained. Turning to Rosenfeld, Kogen said, “Prime Minister, may I have a word with you, privately?” “Of course. What would you like to discuss?” “It’s best we not talk here.”
Footsteps echoed off the gray terrazzo floor as the two men, each lost in his own thoughts, walked down the Hall of Advisers toward Rosenfeld’s office.
053-55781_ch01_2P.indd 9
—-1 —0 —+1
10/18/13 5:06 PM