The Independent of London is reporting that senior Israeli politicians and analysts appear to be preparing the Israeli public for a military conflict with Iran. Iran has been the central topic of discussion at a major security forum this week in the Israeli resort of Herzliya. Speakers at the forum have included top Israeli and U.S. officials, four U.S. presidential candidates and several leading neoconservatives, including Richard Perle and former CIA Director James Woolsey. A reporter from the Financial Times wrote: “The war drums are beating pretty loudly here in Herzliya.” State Department official Nicholas Burns said there is no doubt that Iran is seeking a nuclear weapon. James Woolsey likened Iran to Nazi Germany. Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards told the conference: “The challenges in your own backyard represent an unprecedented threat to the world and Israel.” Republican presidential candidates Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney and John McCain have also addressed the forum.