"There is a debate in Israel about covert operations or a military strike (against Iran's bomb-making facilities). Israel believes that sanctions will not work. Thus, we must invest very much more on security and build a larger force. But, force building takes time.
http://ummid.com/news/2011/December/08.12.2011/israeli_experts_on_arab_spring.htm
http://ummid.com/news/2011/December/08.12.2011/israeli_experts_on_arab_spring.htm