At first blush, last night’s debate exchange with Tim Russert over Iran and Israel made Barack Obama seem weak on fighting terror and tyrants.

Obama: “Now, we are a stalwart ally of Israel and I think it is important to understand that we will back them up in terms of their security.  But it is critical to understand that — until we have taken the diplomatic routes that are required to tighten economic sanctions — I have a plan right now to make sure that private pension funds in this country can divest from their holdings in Iran. Until we have gathered the international community to put the squeeze on Iran economically, then we shouldn’t be having conversations about attacks on Iran.”

Economic sanctions first?  Makes for sound, safe diplomacy — but would Israelis agree that this is the best way to protect their country?

Turns out yes, if you listen to Israel’s legendary terror fighter Benjamin Netanyahu:

“There are two ways to stop it. One is the military option, and the other is the economic sanctions option. I think that the preference, obviously, is to first try the economic sanctions, but make it clear to everybody, including the Europeans, that, if that fails, the military option will be entertained.”

Not bad company for Obama.