Lieberman: 'Shocked' If Iran Gives Up Its Nukes

In his first address since leaving office, former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman identified Iran as the greatest threat to Israel’s survival since the Jewish nation was founded in 1948.

He added that he would be “shocked” if Iran gives up its nuclear ambitions without much more pressure – and probably military action -- from the international community.

Lieberman’s remarks came at the Anti-Defamation League’s dinner in Palm Beach, Fla., which commemorated the 100th anniversary of the ADL’s founding. ADL National Director Abraham H. Foxman was the master of ceremonies, and he presented several leading philanthropists with Centennial Lifetime Achievement awards.

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In his keynote address the Connecticut senator, who retired from Congress last month, acknowledged that military intervention may well be required to keep the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear-weapons capability. “I hope that will not be necessary,” he said, “but I believe it probably will.”

Lieberman also warned of a “rising tide of neo-isolation” evident in both political parties. America, he said, cannot afford to shy away from global leadership. And his remarks suggested the Obama administration’s tactic of “leading from behind” in global conflicts will not be adequate to halt Iran’s march toward nuclear capability.

Lieberman insisted that any action against Iran should be international, and “must be led by the world’s greatest nation, the United States of America.”

The four-term senator recalled several highlights from his years on Capitol Hill. He said President Barack Obama credited Lieberman’s 2000 vice presidential candidacy –- Lieberman was the first Jewish political leader nominated to run on a presidential ticket – with paving the way for his own historic candidacy in 2008.

Lieberman revealed that before former Vice President Al Gore nominated him as his running mate, he surveyed both Christian and Jewish voters to gauge their reaction. Those focus groups revealed that Christians were more confident than Jews were that America was ready for a Jewish vice president.

Lieberman credited the ADL’s work fighting anti-Semitism with making it possible for him to succeed on the national stage. “Well done ADL,” he said, “and thank you for what you have done for me, and for so many others in the United States of America.”

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