World

Report: Obama Admin Shared U.S. Contingency Plan for Iran Attack With Netanyahu

Report: Obama Admin Shares with Netanyahu the U.S. Contingency Plan for Iran Attack

President Obama with National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon (White House photo via Times of Israel)

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported Sunday that when President Barack Obama’s National Security Adviser Thomas Donilon was in Israel earlier this month, he shared with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the American contingency plans for a possible attack on Iran.

(Related: Adviser: Romney Would Back Israeli Strike Against Iran)

Quoting a senior U.S. official, Haaretz reports:

Donilon sought to make clear that the United States is seriously preparing for the possibility that negotiations will reach a dead end and military action will become necessary. He said reports of such preparations were not just a way to assuage Israel’s concerns.

Donilon’s talks in Jerusalem were the most significant so far between American and Israeli officials here in recent weeks. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Deputy Secretary of State William Burns have been in Israel as well.

According to the American official, Donilon shared information on U.S. weaponry and military capabilities for dealing with Iran’s nuclear facilities, including those deep underground.

But another U.S. official involved in the talks with Israel said that “based on the intelligence we have, we think there is still time for diplomacy, and the time for a military operation against Iran has not yet come.”

A senior Israeli official is denying the report, telling Reuters: “Nothing in the article is correct. Donilon did not meet the prime minister for dinner, he did not meet him one-on-one, nor did he present operational plans to attack Iran.” National Security Council Spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to comment to Haaretz.

The leak from the senior U.S. official to the liberal newspaper Haaretz comes on the same weekend Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is visiting Israel, and as a top aide told reporters Romney would “respect” a unilateral Israeli strike against Iran.

Romney’s visit is highlighting for some the fact that Obama has not visited once as president. After Romney announced his trip, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton publicized plans for her visit and Obama aides say he too plans a trip, but only during a second presidential term.

The Obama administration would like to give negotiations and economic sanctions more time, but Israeli officials hold little hope that these actions will successfully stop Iranian nuclear weapons efforts. Indeed, sanctions appear to have made little impact so far on the Islamic Republic’s commitment to its clandestine program.

With U.S. officials concerned Israel could carry out a unilateral strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, Haaretz explains that the Donilon briefing was the most significant effort thus far by visiting U.S. officials to try to convince Israel to give negotiations more time. The efforts to mollify Israel will apparently continue this week, with the arrival in Israel of Defense Secretary Leon Panetta. It will be his ninth meeting with Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak in a year, and his third meeting with Netanyahu in a year, according to Bloomberg.

During her visit earlier this month, Secretary of State Clinton said Israel and the U.S. were “on the same page” regarding Iran, but Richard Armitage, who was deputy secretary of State under President George W. Bush, tells Bloomberg that the high volume of visits to Israel by senior U.S. officials are “all part of keeping Israel on our side” and making sure the Israelis don’t “come to a different conclusion about the Iranian nuclear program.”

Comments (76)

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  • bamanana
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 2:24pm

    This vile man Obama will do anything to get elected & yes that’s going to war with Iran!!! He has shown that in more ways than one how much he detest Natanyahu & Israel. Why he still has the Jewish vote is amazing to me. Wake up Jews here comes the Muslim brotherhood marching to your door. Obama, Clinton & Napalatano are welcoming those murderers with open arms to America!!!

    Report Post »  
  • sbenard
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 2:06pm

    I check news websites from around the world several times a day. Haaretz is one of the worst! It is so liberal that I long ago deleted it as a credible news source from the dozen or so I read. It is driven by an agenda, not news. Rest assured that this story was closely coordinated with the Obama White House to brainwash the ignorant and the gullible. It was a campaign move, not a coordination between Israel and the U.S.

    Report Post » sbenard  
  • RoBoTech
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 1:14pm

    It is being reported in the Israeli Newspapers that this is not true.
    Obama Admin has NOT shared a plan to attack Iran with Israel.
    Better update this, Blaze.

    Report Post »  
  • Sharon Rose
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 1:13pm

    Why is this being reported? Surely to get votes!

    Report Post »  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:50pm

    I wonder if Nancy Pelosi can see it is actually the Obama Campaign (not administration, as they could care less about Israel) that is exploiting “Jews”?

    Obama has no shame and will switch with the wind as he sees voting blocks either coming or going.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • lexington_green
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 1:00pm

      yeah, the polls of jewish voters must have been upsetting this week. and with romney going to israel, it’s time for obie to pretend he cares about another demographic. if people in this country are dumb enough to re-elect this flim-flam man then they will get exactly what they deserve. fools.

      Report Post » lexington_green  
  • Living In NYC
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:37pm

    Oh Barry which way is the wind blowing in the polls today…Must be for Netanyahu, ’cause you are trying to ride on his coat-tails TODAY…I will wait 24 hours and you will be on Iran’s side.

    Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • DeOppressoLiber
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:08pm

    This is all staged to get the Jewish vote. He would cut a deal with Israel to get reelected and to get the Jewish support. The leaders of Israel would cut the same deal to protect their citizens, that is their duty.

    You had to see this coming.

    Report Post »  
  • JustMel71
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:53am

    Speaking of plans, watch out Americans, are we next? Wartime right on our own soil?? You decide.

    DHS gears up for civil unrest prior to presidential elections

    http://rt.com/usa/news/dhs-unrest-gear-283/

    Scalia: Guns May be Regulated

    http://www.nationaljournal.com/scalia-guns-may-be-regulated-20120729

    Report Post » JustMel71  
  • RANGER1965
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:27am

    Well Obama did promise the most transparent administration in history. Looks like he was talking about national security instead of politics.

    Another Obama success!

    Report Post » RANGER1965  
  • DetritusScreener
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:26am

    Is a non U.S. journalist protected from revealing their sources?
    There are so many ugly angles for this disclosure right now and the build up before the election it is scary. Intelligence leak; Obama support for Israel; War time President for support before the election; and on and on.

    Report Post » DetritusScreener  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:45am

      Its just as he told Medvedev to pass along to Putin, just be patient while I win this last election. He and his in house supporters and leakers are trying to make 0bama look good in the eyes of the undecided and in this case, the supporters of Israel so that he can win that “last election.” It could very well be the very last election too.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • whatswrongwithyou
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:06am

    This was Planned long ago..
    realjewnews.com

    Report Post »  
    • saranda
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:24am

      The problem with many Americans is that they do not respect that not all is intended for public consumption. Sometimes action is taken that you have no idea affected history, and the loud mouths find a way to take credit or offer discredit. I have learned that those who draw attention to themselves are usually only there to serve themselves. Has gb ever done anything without fanfare? I thought not.

      Report Post »  
    • DetritusScreener
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:29am

      Yes, we all know it was planned, but you don’t talk about it or admit it. Just like the drone strikes, the SEAL raid, the cyber worm attack. Of course this White House can’t play chess they are still learning Tic Tac Toe.

      Report Post » DetritusScreener  
    • Max jones
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 1:15pm

      Saranda…“All will be revealed” and you will be amazed and more than a little frightened.

      Report Post » Max jones  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:04am

    The Obama administration fabricated a leak at the orders of the self annointed, narcissist in chief to further his own reelection campaign as his desperation continues to grow. He has to present himself as an ally of Israel to gain the Jewish vote, and to try and keep out of peoples mindset that he has repeatedly thrown Israel to the wolves of its many enemies.

    If there is any truth to this report, the matter most likely will be that Obama told PM Netanyaho that if they attack Iran, the US will strike out at Israeli forces with absolute destruction in mind. Obama hates Israel, and to him the destruction of that nation by the US would be poetic justice in his insane mind.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:01am

    Both, we can drill our own oil and frack our own shale to not need Iran and if Israel gets us in war, we can boycott them till they leave our country alone.

    Report Post » Individualism  
    • Max jones
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:37pm

      The U.S. is the plum on the pastry that is called the NWO. We still have the largest and most efficient infrastructure that exists in the world. There maybe this more oil under this land and its coastal waters, that is accessible using current technology than we could pump in 100 years. Natural gas is abundant, as is coal. Gold, silver, molybdenum(sic), yellowcake, bauxite and other valuable ores and minerals,as well as lots of fresh, clean water are among our resources. So why are we not putting people to work extracting some of this bounty? I say it is by design. The Nwo wants it left alone, so they have it all, once the task of de-populating is done.
      These, supernaturally directed, “movers and shakers”,who now control the worlds wealth, will continue to pit east against west, muslim against everyone else, haves against have-nots, until the pressure increases enough for a tiny spark to ignite this volatile armosphere. There are clear thinkers out there somewhere, but most have been marginalized.
      I truly believe that Barack Obama was chosen for the job he has, his role is being scripted for him by these people to facilitate their evil intentions from the bully pulpit as POTUS. There can be no other logic for the president’s agenda and his actions the last 3 1/2 years. He has not served the people of the U.S., he serves the king of this world, whose intentions are total domination of the people of the world.

      Report Post » Max jones  
  • sdeakins
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:01am

    Why suddenly so many stories of the Obama regime supposed support of Israel? More Obama election year antics? LA Times give us the Khalidi tape so we can see what Obama and his ilk really think of Israel!

    Report Post » sdeakins  
  • dgonzalez01
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:00am

    More security leaks from this administration to make Obama look strong. In previous administrations these meetings would occur and remain secret to protect the operation and the men that carry them out. This administration places little importance on human life. Just like they sacrificed seal team 6 on August 6, 2011 in Afghanistan by placing them in a slow moving chinook helicopter. The same team that was responsible for the Bin Laden operation. Must have been to give the Musslim world some face. Why else would you put 22 seal team officers in a big target on the battle field?

    Report Post »  
  • Idahosauce
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:59am

    This is no big deal, barry gave a copy of the same plan to Iran 6 months ago….
    (c’mon, you don’t really think barry would want Israel to succeed do you?)

    Report Post » Idahosauce  
  • Simon de Montfort
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:52am

    Whether it is Haaretz or Obama and his minions speaking you know neither agendas are honorable. Obama and his disgraceful administration is a stain on the Presidency and a pox on the world. Shame on this nation for electing such a man. May we repent this November!

    Report Post »  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:00am

      There would be no doubt it was shared after all we shared Israels plans. We have no stinking secrets, tell us we tell everyone, well except a subpena from congress. now that info is secret !

      Report Post »  
  • barber2
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:52am

    “A senior U.S. official ?” Oh, my. Is this another White House LEAK aimed at making Obama look good to American Jewish voters ??? PROSECUTE these Democrat traitors who can NOT keep their mouths shut nor our borders closed . Sick of this LEAKING. ( while the international Left continues its attempt to close down conservative Murdoch ‘s media outlets over tabloid phone hacking ??!! ) To enable this farce to continue makes a mockery of the media and of national security . CONGRESS ? American media ? Fellow citizens ? Anyone awake ?

     
  • Silversmith
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:49am

    So tired of this amateur hour behavior in this administration.

    Silversmith

    Report Post » Silversmith  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:06am

      More like the Obama Idiot Traitor/ It’s Election Time Hour….

      Report Post »  
    • Max jones
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 1:27pm

      the man is no amateur. Not a mastermind, but no amateur. He has played a major role in the biggest heist the world has ever seen.
      He seems witless and clumsy, but that’s the role. He was never qualified for the job he has, but, there he is. Socialism has always been anathema in this country, but, there it is.

      Report Post » Max jones  
  • randy
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:49am

    @INDIVIDUALISM I‘m sure you’re talking about Iran….

    Report Post » randy  
  • justangry
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:47am

    War is getting old. I’m wary, tired and ready for some peace. Going to war with Iran has been in the works for a long time. I don’t believe it has anything to do with their nuclear program. Our foreign policy is whack and we can’t afford it.

    “Don’t let anybody make you think that GOD chose America as his divine messianic force to be a sort of policeman of the whole world. God has a way of standing before the nations with judgment and it seems I can hear God saying to America, you’re too arrogant. If you don’t change your ways, I will rise up and break the backbone of your power and I’ll place it the hands of a nation that doesn’t even know my name. Be still and know that I’m God.” – MLK

    Report Post » justangry  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:05am

      JUST: Please tell your “ I am tired of war ” stuff to the Taliban and the Al Qaeda types ! I am just sure they will listen to you ! If you are nice to them, they will be nice to you. Just like they were to Daniel Pearl who tried to give them an outlet to express their views ! America just needs to be nice to these people. You go talk to them . Hurray .

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315_II
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:15am

      @Just
      nice quote. I am looking for a solid black history/civil rights book. I want to know the things black folks used to know and we werent taught in government school. Any suggestions?

      Report Post » soybomb315_II  
    • TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:50am

      SOY. LMAO!! “nice quote. I am looking for a solid black history/civil rights book. I want to know the things black folks used to know and we werent taught in government school. Any suggestions?

      Look into those Ron Paul Newsletters for some great quotes you aPaulogists can use to further your cause. You know… “things” about “black folks”…

      Report Post » TIME_2_END_THE_PAUL_CAMPAIGN_IN_12  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:57am

      @Barber, The blood‘s on your and your fellow armchair warriors’ hands. I’ve washed my hands of it.

      @Soy, I picked up that quote researching RP tbh. I‘ll dig out my old history books and might have a few suggestions from a slave history class once I get home from the warden’s family reunion. Dr. Cashin at OSU was the prof. and tenured. I’m sure you can find a syllabus online with some good suggestions in the meantime.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • justangry
      Posted on July 30, 2012 at 9:14am

      No luck Soy, and the cirruculum has changed since I attended. My go to would still be Dr. Cashin who’s still teaching.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • Stelex
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:47am

    Wow, what coincidence. 3.6years he blows off Israel. An now the weekend Romney is there, sends a bunch of cash and a war plan. Romney should visit Israel every weekend. Heck, Romney should visit me. I got the plan but I could use the money.

    Report Post » Stelex  
    • yougottabekidding
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:55am

      My thoughts exactly.
      I wonder if they left Thomas Donilon sit while they went to eat?

      Report Post »  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 11:00am

      The most TRANSPARENT characteristic of the Obama Administration : I will do/ say anything to get a vote and remain in ” power.” ( in addition to telling Big scripted Lies via a teleprompter )

      Report Post »  
  • cindy g
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:47am

    Just another political ploy by this administration!

    The leaks to protect Obama’s presidency are never ending and put the US and Israel in danger!

    Report Post »  
  • DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:42am

    The leaks continue. Obama IS the amateur.

    Report Post » DEMOCRATS.ARE.EVIL  
    • barber2
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:58am

      Interesting that the Democrats are allowed to leak that which is beneficial to them and to hide that which is detrimental ( those messy school records) . HELLO: American media ?? Anybody considering doing what your function should be in a free, democratic republic ? Huh ? Or are you media guys just in for the bus ride to totalitarian Big Brother Government ?? Let me guess…

      Report Post »  
    • Living In NYC
      Posted on July 29, 2012 at 12:38pm

      D.A.E….could not have said it better myself…My hat is tipped for you sir!

      Report Post » Living In NYC  
  • Individualism
    Posted on July 29, 2012 at 10:40am

    get ready to boycott that troublesome country that has done more than enough damage to this country.

    Report Post » Individualism  
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