>John,
>
>Seems to me that Isreal has nuclear weapons, also known as "weapons of mass destruction". Could it be that they could defend themselves against Iran (or whichever else country might have similar 'ambitions' as Iran's leader proclaims)?
>
>Did they not already do so (defend themselves) against Iraq itself?
>
>Why, then, would the U.S. feel any obligation to do the job on behalf of Isreal?
>
>...curious in Canada
>
>

I think you are correct. I believe Israel does have nuclear arms, but it is my understanding that we (and the UN) don't want them to use them to protect themselves from the surrounding Arab states, so we are helping. I understand Israel has what they call the Masada defense system, which will be utilized to destroy EVERYONE, if they come under nuclear attack. I don't think we would want that to happen, so we assist them in their defense.
That's my understanding of the situation.