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Obama Officials Rebuff Israel’s Request to Set a ‘Clear Red Line’ on Iran Nukes

Sep. 11, 2012 8:36am Sharona Schwartz

Obama Administration Rebuffs Israel’s Request it Set a “Clear Red Line” on Iran Nukes

Secretary of State Clinton in Russia on Sunday (State Department Photo)

In two instances this week, the Obama administration made clear it is rejecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s call that a “clear red line” be set for Iran. According to the State Department spokeswoman, this is because President Obama continues to believe negotiations can stop Iran in its apparent attempt to develop a nuclear weapons’ capability.

The Times of Israel spoke to Israeli officials who are slamming the U.S. position. It reports:

Official Jerusalem struck back at the US Monday for saying it would not set clear red lines beyond which it would support a military attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Words like these won’t stop the centrifuges, but the opposite,” an unnamed source said. […]

Israeli sources said the US refusal would detract from the credibility of the threat that Iran could come under military attack if it doesn’t abandon its program.

“Without a firm and clear red line, Iran won’t stop its race for a nuclear weapon,” a source said. “Words like these don’t only not deter Iran, they calm it.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Bloomberg radio that she and her administration colleagues believe in the negotiations, diplomatic efforts and sanctions. She said:

We’re not setting deadlines. We’re watching very carefully about what they do, because it’s always been more about their actions and their words.

She added:

[…] We’re convinced that we have more time to focus on these sanctions, to do everything we can to bring Iran to a good faith negotiation.

Evidence suggests that not only have sanctions and negotiations not stopped or slowed Iran’s clandestine nuclear efforts, they appear to have sped them up. It’s unclear why Secretary Clinton and President Obama believe that an Iran that’s been lying to IAEA inspectors will suddenly engage in “good faith negotiation.”

Also on Monday, State Department Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said at the daily briefing:

So we are absolutely firm about the President’s commitment here, but it is not useful to be parsing it, to be setting deadlines one way or the other, redlines. It is most important that we stay intensely focused on the pressure on Iran, the opportunity for Iran to fix this situation through the diplomacy that we’ve offered, and intensive consultations with Israel and all the other regional states, as we are doing.

Netanyahu is sticking to his “red line” demand, telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that “Iran will not stop unless it sees clear determination by the democratic countries of the world and a clear red line.” He said:

“I don’t think they see a clear red line, and I think the sooner we establish one, the greater the chances that there won’t be a need for other types of action.”

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak who is reported to favor a military option sooner rather than later – before Iran’s underground nuclear bunkers are immune to attack — said on Monday that a military strike is the last resort:

“The political echelon sees as its responsibility ensuring that if there is a way to reject war, that it be done, and we confirm that if we go to war this will only be after all other possibilities have been exhausted.”

Media reports have been rife speculating when and if Israel might conduct a unilateral strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. If the U.S. and other allies were to set a “clear red line,” that could make strides in convincing Israeli leaders they are not on their own in thwarting Iran’s nuclear march.

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Comments (59)

barber2
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:52am
The Blaze has been Occupied by the crowd that used to write comments into the New York Times which criticized the American military and ” General Be-Tray-us; ” hated capitalists as ” neo-cons and plutocrats and oligarchs; ” hated Bush and government; hated Israel; called for ” a revolution” in America. Today I don’t know what they are : crazed Far Lefties ? crazed Far righties ; or crazed Anarchists ? But, honey, they are now writing comments here ! A ton of them . ( I abandoned reading the NYT as that rag is so far into Obama’s pocket , it has become obscene ! )

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Vickie Dhaene
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:01am
We have been in Clear and Present danger in this Country for a very long time now. I Pray to the Lord my God that he have Mercy on our Souls. I will pray that our Enemies will know the TRUTH soon.

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- JRook
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:26am
  Wonderful statement which means nothing. If Israel is so concerned about Iran then they should take action on their own. As has been shown in Iraq, Afghanistan and potentially Iran, this is not the US’s issue or problem. Let’s face it other than the oil, we wouldn’t care what happens in the middle east. Why would any sovereign middle east country be ok with Israel having nukes and unarmed themselves. The balance of power implies a balance on both sides of the ledger. When that is lacking there is more conflicts and more opportunity for the military and military industrial complexes to gain more resources.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:36am
  JRook, agree with much of what you’ve said. But, if this were really true… “Let’s face it other than the oil, we wouldn’t care what happens in the middle east.”… we would never have unconditionally backed the Zionist state of Israel.
  
  There was a time when we enjoyed civil relationships with those of the Middle East.
  
  Report this comment
- DarkJello
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:36am
  @jrook:
  
  Silly much. Israel is a relatively benign country. Iran with nukes is a nightmare.
  
  You gots to pay attention and stuff.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:40am
  JR: What part of ” alliance” don’t you understand ? Oh, let me guess: you are a ” progressive” which means that it’s all about YOU. If the old alliance no longer works for you, you just break it. Who cares about your old ally. Typical move of the arrogant, ” changey” New Far Left. Just like Stalin and Hitler. Make a pact. Break a pact. Good luck living in your New World : we used to call it a jungle. Just like we used to call ” redistribution” stealing ! You guys aren’t moving ” Forward.” ( funny, that was one of old Lenin’s favorite words ) You New Far Lefties are de-evolving. Third World Jungle . “Backward.” NOBAMA 2012 NO NEW FAR LEFT DEMOCRATS 2012
  
  Report this comment
RaydocX
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:57am
sadly, the same MSM crying ‘racist’ don’t see the same bias and prejudice they are making up to combat arguments they cannot counter logically when their hero in chief behaves in the exact way the claim opponents of BHO are regarding Israel… or Christianity and their views on contraception… or individual citizen’s personal views about abortion… or the taxes already levied disproportionately on a minority of the population…

what BHO may not be considering is that if Iran is ready with a nuc by October, they may have demonstrated their willingness to attack a peaceful nation merely over religious differences BEFORE the election… How will the Jewish vote in America react to that, do you suppose?

BHO’s bias is obvious… ANYONE voting for him this time around without acknowledging he puts our own nation and other free nations at risk is contributing to that risk

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:18am
  Israel is a tiny, two-bit nation that has been, and is, nothing but trouble.
  
  Report this comment
quackertwo
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:46am
Nobody in this communist WH is behind Isreal! They are not even behind the United States! They are not protectng us either! BHO and his commiust friends in the WH are giving orders and no one is to go against him or else. Our country is in so much danger because of him! And hes sitting back laughing at us with all his buddies!

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- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:39am
  Israel is a troublesome nation. It is not America. If you want to stand behind or with Israel, go! Stop squandering American lives and wealth on that tiny belligerent nation. If you are a religious radical fundamentalist, take your bible too.
  
  Report this comment
Thighmaster
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:42am
Obama is not who he appears to be. Just like those terrorists who pretended to be passengers on 9/11 I believe Obama is here to destroy the United States. Why is that so difficult to understand ? Isn’t it strange that while we have to practically disrobe to board a plane there are illegals in this country still training to be pilots ? And last I heard many were being trained by a company owned by a person who is here illegally while a young boy is being forced to change his name (Hunter) because to sign(language) it requires shaping the hand in a threatening way. My God what have we done to our country ?

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- techengineer11
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:46am
  All of the War rhetoric becomes a little more complicated when actually confronted with WW3.. I know that you Neo-Cons love to murder for your Jews but I have a little feeling that your love of murder will be met with a little resistance this time.. Hell you may even get to experience some of your murder on the American homeland.. Wouldn’t that be swell? But anything for your Chosen idols right? ;)
  
  Report this comment
- dublinthewagons
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:55am
  Valerie Jarret was born in Iran and lived there until she was 12. That is why this bummer administration is pro Iran.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:36am
  dublinthewagons,
  Chief of Staff to Obama and Biden when they won they won the WH: Emanuel and Klain, respectively. Both Jewish.
  
  Senior Ecconomic Advisers to Obama and Biden when they won the WH: Summers and Bernstein, respectively. Both Jewish.
  
  Senior political adviser: Axelrod. Jewish.
  
  OMB Directors: Orszag, Lew, Zients. All Jewish.
  
  Plouffe, Sunstein, Stern, Feinberg, Berwick, Kagan, Ross, Sher, Feinstein… all Jews.
  
  Don’t cry about the banking criminal Jarret.
  
  Report this comment
jackact
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:38am
Jewish voters please pay very close attention.
The window of opportunity to end this madness is quickly closing.
You will not get another chance to right this ship.
A vote for Obama will ensure your demise.
It’s not 1939 anymore and FDR is not president.
WAKE UP’!!!

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- barber2
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:44am
  AND we may not survive the NEXT Pearl Harbor under a Democrat Administration…
  
  Report this comment
- kat747
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:45am
  You nailed that one. Thank you for telling them the truth.
  
  Report this comment
- The_Jerk
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:41am
  All Jews are not Zionists. Israel is a belligerent Zionist state. Educate yourself ‘before’ you write.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 11:43am
  JERK: so it is ” Zionist” to stand up to people who want to wipe your country off the face of the map ? I imagine an Israeli would consider that patriotic and survivalist . You need more than education…
  
  Report this comment
TXVET48
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:37am
I’m worried that Israel will strike Iran before the elections forcing BHO to join in the conflict. BHO actually doing something for Israel might cause a jump in his favor and he steals the election or he halts it for “National Security” reasons. Either one isn’t an option I like.

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kat747
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:34am
Dearest Barry,
Please do NOT be surprised if one of these days your “friends” in Iran plug one of those nuclear warheads into your behind.
You are a delusional failure thinking that they are your friends and you can “talk” to them.
If you had an ounce of brains in that head of yours, you would back Israel 100% !
This is why the American People have to VOTE YOU OUT.

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- barber2
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:42am
  Exactly. The Far Left Obama types are like the girl who rescued the injured rattlesnake , only to be amazed when it returned ” the favor ” by biting her. Naive and clueless.
  
  Report this comment
ireport uderide
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:32am
I think the bigger question to Hilary should have been, “So Madam Secretary, who do you think Bill was banging after his big speech at the DNC Convention”?

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barber2
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:28am
Am sure the naive Obama types were the same as the Democrats who were ” negotiating ” with the Japanese diplomats who were in D.C. …….while Japanese planes were flying to Pearl Harbor. That talking worked out swell ! The Democrats are dumb and they do NOT learn from history. ( Too much looking ” FORWARD” and far too little to the past and it’s lessons )

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Detroit paperboy
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:27am
Could it be cuz Odumbass is a Muslim ????

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- kat747
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:43am
  Yes……the muslims cannot go against their own kind.
  The mistake Barry is making is that in the muslim world, people of African blood are still considered slaves.
  What better way to get a muslim into the Presidency ? First Black President.
  No one really looked into the “man” that was running for office or his background because that
  would have been racist. And then, of course, all his records are “sealed”.
  
  Report this comment
Zipit
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:24am
The world is laughing at the United States of America, Barack Hussein Obama, and that human mess we call the Secratary of State, Hillary Clinton! Our standing, as well as most of our allies around the globe since this administration was voted into power has done nothing but steadily erode! Something big is going to happen, probably sooner than later, and these people will not be able to deal with it. Perhaps intentionally!! God help us, and Israel………..

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momrules
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:21am
Israel is going to have to go it alone, well alone except for God. Obama and Clinton are deep in the pocket of Islam.

God be with the Israelis and with Mr. Netanyahu as they make decisions regarding Iran. Their very lives and existence are at stake and they will get no help from America under Obama’s control.

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doomytram
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:20am
Obozo hates Israel and Jews and his administration is pro muslim. Any other understanding is a mis/dis/or ill informed understanding. PERIOD.

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AJAYW
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:14am
Benjamin Netanyahu might as well accept the fact that obama’s goal is to bring Israel down. If they get into it with Iran obama will be on Irans side–

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mike551
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:12am
Once again they “rule” against the will of the people. They will always come down on the side of our enemies. IMPEACH OBAMA NOW!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!.

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- AJAYW
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:23am
  The problem is like Hitler obama has convienced the Jews that he’s for them and they will follow like sheep. When in fact he will bring the end to Israel, he’s a Muslim and he will follow their teachings.
  
  Report this comment
sailor310
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:09am
We talk and sleep at the wheel while our enemies develop what ever they want in the way of weapons of mass destruction

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Cymry
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:59am
barry started it.

http://www.wnd.com/2012/09/israeli-science-website-obama-birth-certificate-forged/

data avalanche coming. :)

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jakartaman
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:55am
The worst President and Secretary of State in all of US history.
I pray we can last until January 2013 and the State of Israel!
With friends like us who needs enemies!
Keep voting for liberal democrats – foolish American jews!

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kickagrandma
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:54am
Of course they do.
they work for ISRAEL’s enemy, satan.

PRAY ON, AMERICA. Pray for ISRAEL. Pray for AMERICA.
Thank GOD IN ALL THINGS, all things.
In JESUS’ name, amen.

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bdandsl
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:52am
obama is a coward and will not defend America, muchless Israel!

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- Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:55am
  Actually I do see a growing chance that if Israel strikes out at Iran; then Obama will in turn hammer Israel in collaliton with the Islamist nations to eradicate her completely.
  
  Report this comment
- Anonymous T. Irrelevant
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:07am
  And as long as Iranian-born Valerie Jarrett is in there, she won’t let him do anything against Iran.
  
  Report this comment
- JACKTHETOAD
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:18am
  The ‘clear red line’ offstets the BIG YELLOW ONE dpwn his back. Or is it white like the SKUNK that he is? And The Bimbo’s only qualifications for ANYTHING AFTER SHE MARRIED THE PHILANDERER was law Skool….and a stained blue dress.
  
  Report this comment
- Wildblue3
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:24am
  I don’t think America would ever let Obama attack Israel with the Islamists. I do see him standing to the side however.
  
  Report this comment
Gonzo
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:48am
Isrelis wonder about their continued existance while Americans wonder who Nicki Minaj is supporting in the upcoming election.

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- U.N.hater
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:28am
  Ya sad isn’t it?
  
  Report this comment
- momrules
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:34am
  It is a sad commentary on America that more people probably know who Honey BooBoo is but do not know who Benjamin Netanyahu is. Most of those same people don’t care or know that Islam hates us as much as they hate Israel.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:51am
  Thankfully, I had to Google Honey BooBoo to figure out what you’re talking about Mom! LOL
  
  Report this comment
HappyHaloHousewife
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:48am
Obama’s not going to make any hard and fast decisions on ANY thing until his (reelection). Which hopefully means he will let things slide until Romney inherits the mess left behind.

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- huey6367
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:56am
  Romney will make better use of his inheritence than the Bama did.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:00am
  Don’t degrade the Crimson Tide by calling him that Huey.
  
  Report this comment
- huey6367
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:11am
  Did I degrade someone? That was not intended. I was just saying Romney will be a better POTUS than the current clown.
  
  Report this comment
- Gonzo
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:28am
  Bama = Alabama football.
  
  Report this comment
- huey6367
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:30am
  Not a college football watcher. My apologies to you and the Crimson Tide and the entire state of Alabama.
  
  Report this comment
- barber2
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:30am
  HUEY: Bozo would make a better president than the current clown.
  
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- huey6367
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 9:41am
  An empty chair would make better decisions and play less golf
  
  Report this comment
huey6367
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:47am
Obama is weak on Israel and Iran knows. Iran knew America was weak when Carter was in office and Iran flexed its muscle then as it is doing know. I have no doubt Iran will attack Israel especially if Obummer is re-elected. The POTUS will do nothing about it.

Way to through our only friend in the Middle East under the bus, you fricking idiot.

You can make some of the people happy some of the time.
Most of the people happy most of the time
But you will never make the Middle East happy.

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- Gonzo
  Posted on September 11, 2012 at 10:30am
  You’re right and the liberal American Jews who voted for him will all be dumbfounded by it.
  
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goodolddays
Posted on September 11, 2012 at 8:46am
And the Jewish people in LARGE numbers still cast ballots for this POS in the White House , That is not anti black b/s . it is called the “White House” all over the world

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