Israeli policymakers' basic instincts exclusively favor America, and seek to tame other international players, particularly European nations. But to address the Iranian challenge, waiting for Washington to do the job or relying on Israeli deterrence is insufficient. Rather, a proactive Israeli foreign policy that takes advantage of favorable political circumstances may complement an automatic reliance on the U.S. Such favorable conditions may now be found in Japan and Germany.

It's true that the recent election of Shinzo Abe as Japan's prime minister drew little attention in the local media. Also, last week's comments made by German Chancellor Angela Merkel regarding the approaching German EU presidency did little to focus local attention in that direction.

But despite lacking local public attention as well as the geographic distance and difference in the political setting, these two examples offer a unique opportunity for Israel to finally implement a proactive foreign policy concerning Iran's nuclear program.

to read the rest of the article on Haaretz website click here.