Speculation Fever Raises Administration Anxiety Over…Will Israel Strike Iran or Not?
- Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:29am by
Sharona Schwartz
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose to open his weekly cabinet meeting Sunday morning by extolling the virtue of strength, words that will no doubt fuel more of the rampant speculation over if Israel is or is not planning a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He said:
“We have received a reminder about what kind of a neighborhood we live in. We heard the Iranian ruler’s remarks about the elimination of Israel. We saw the Syrian army massacre its own people. We have seen bloody events in our region. Various leaders have no moral compunctions about killing their neighbors and their own people alike.
In such a region, the only thing that ensures our existence, security and prosperity is our strength. We are obligated to continue to develop the military, economic and social strength of the State of Israel. This is also the only guarantee for the existence of peace and the only defense for Israel should the peace unravel.”
The latest whirlwind of speculation began last week when Washington Post opinion columnist David Ignatius wrote that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta believes there is a “strong likelihood” Israel may attack Iran this spring, and characterized it as Panetta’s “biggest worry.”
(Related: Iran Begins New Military Exercises Near Strait of Hormuz)
Ignatius’ take was strengthened by Panetta’s refusal to confirm or deny the report to journalists traveling with him to a NATO meeting in Brussels. From AP:
Asked whether he disputes the report, Panetta said, “No, I’m just not commenting.” He added, “What I think and what I view, I consider that to be an area that belongs to me and nobody else.”
He noted that Israel has stated publicly that it is considering military action against Iran. He said the U.S. has “indicated our concerns.”
In an effort to curtail the chatter, Netanyahu warned Likud ministers Sunday that their public statements on possible military action could damage both Israel and the international sanctions efforts. Ynet reports:
Referring to several recent politicians’ statements that caused a stir in the international media, most notably by Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon, Netanyahu urged the ministers to stay clear of remarks on the Iranian issue.
“The chatter causes extensive damage, puts Israel on the front line and impedes the sanction efforts,” he said during a Likud ministers’ meeting.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak warned Thursday that Iran was nearing a stage “which may render any physical strike as impractical.”
“A nuclear Iran will be more complicated to deal with, more dangerous and more costly in blood than if it were stopped today,” he said. “In other words, he who says in English ‘later’ may find that ‘later is too late.’”
Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, he also said the international community would have to consider options beyond sanctions:
“If sanctions don’t achieve the desired goal of stopping [Iran’s] military nuclear program, there will be a need to consider taking action,” he declared.
Ignatius also referred to this key time after Iran stores enough enriched uranium deep underground as a “zone of immunity” – as Ehud Barak has previously coined it – to develop its weapons.
The combination of Barak’s warning the clock is ticking for any military strike to be effective and the Israeli Vice Prime Minister Moshe Ya’alon’s suggestion Iran’s nuclear sites are still vulnerable to attack was potent. Ya’alon said last week:
“Any facility protected by humans can be infiltrated by humans. It‘s possible to strike all Iran’s facilities, and I say that out of my experience as IDF chief of staff.”
All this talk has led to rising anxiety among U.S. officials trying to discern Israel’s plans. Reuters reports:
The Obama administration is increasingly anxious about Israeli leaders‘ provocative public comments on Iran’s nuclear program but does not have hard proof that it will strike Iran in the next few months, U.S. and European officials said.
That anxiety was echoed by another Washington Post columnist – Charles Krauthammer – who told “Inside Washington” broadcast this weekend he also believes an attack will occur. According to The Daily Caller, he said:
“I think it’s fairly certain the Israelis are going to attack or you would not have had this leak, deliberately coming this week from secretary of Defense through David Ignatius of The [Washington] Post saying that he thinks there is a high likelihood Israel is going to attack, and then he went ahead and specified when. He said three months, April, May or June. And you don’t say that unless there is obviously indications from the Israelis that they are going to do this even if they get and they are getting a signal from the United States not to do it.”
But former White House and CIA official Ken Pollack told Reuters that Israel’s increasingly dire warnings are misleading:
“If Israel has a good military option, they just take it, they don’t talk about it, they don’t give warnings,” said Pollack, director of the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution. “So the fact that they are talking about it, to me, is one tip-off that they don’t have a good military option.
“We should never rule out the possibility of an Israeli strike and the odds have probably increased in recent months as a result of a number of different factors. But … there are a lot of disincentives that have prevented Israel from launching a strike for 10 years,” Pollack said.
Raising the stakes, the deputy head of the Revolutionary Guards said Sunday Iran will attack any country which allows its territory to be used by “enemies” to launch a military strike on Iran. According to Reuters, he spoke during the second day of ground exercises:
“Any spot used by the enemy for hostile operations against Iran, will be subjected to retaliatory aggression by our armed forces,” Hossein Salami said, during military maneuvers.
All this reading of tea leaves boils down to one key question: Can Israel harm the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program in such a way as to derail it significantly? Because Israel would not relish the risk of a major war for just a slight delay in Iran’s nuclear march, decision makers have to be certain any strike will mete out a devastating blow to Iran’s long-term prospects for developing nuclear weapons.
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Comments (68)
barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:55amIs speculating and wondering anxiously the same as ” dithering ?”
Report Post »Jaycen
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 12:56pmShh…They don’t like to be characterized as “dithering” anymore. It’s not politically correct.
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:00pmIran: Don’t make secret nukes, stop saying you want to kill all Jews then make sure that no one thinks your bluffing by calling on all to support killing Jews worldwide. Stop sending terror squads and missiles into Israel via your Hezbollah baby killers. Do these things and peace can be had.
Report Post »ACLUHater
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 2:08pmI hope they attack. These rag countries have been allowed to spew their hatred long enough. It’s time to send these Flintstones back to the stone age that they came from.
Report Post »Listen_then_think
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:22amIf they do, let them take care of it. Israel can handle themselves.
Report Post »Ghandi was a Republican
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:21amOver the last three years obama has given us and set up this confrontation. This is obama/clinton’s policy. No decent person would ever have let this happen. Test firing missiles and accelerating their nuke program since the day obama took office. Iraq and Afghanistan surrounded by the Muslim Brotherhood. WAY TO GO iOu-bama
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:42pmA SORRY EXCUSE of a President just threatens YET MORE sanctions.
Thank you, Jimmy Carter 2.0. (obama)
Instead, a GOOD U.S. President would be cranking up the orders for more arms – aircraft, missiles, etc., and coordinating with Israel to ship all the weapons they need to them so they are WELL ARMED and READY.
Send a fleet of ships into the Strait and park it there to assure our oil supply.
Of course, we all know what kind of President we have – a “PRESENT” one – he only votes “PRESENT” – he doesn’t have the fortitude to risk any of his political capital in an election year.
The ONLY way he will act is, if he is convinced he has a 100% chance of a MARKETABLE action, like a bin laden takeout.
The worst part is, our enemies KNOW all this ! They know he is President impotent, and that he won’t do anything. Heck, he runs around BOWING TO THEM, urinating on our allies and on our own Constitution. THEY understand that he is PUNISHING America for centuries of “evil colonialism” and for “social injustice.” He even goes so far as to TELL our enemies that we are WITHDRAWING OUR TROOPS!
Report Post »(obama: “Hey, we’re gonna be leaving next year, so just stop risking your lives for the next year, then you can come back in once we are gone, and you won’t have ANY resistance from the innocent locals. You can take over their country again and start training troops to attack America AGAIN !”)
ChiefGeorge
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:02pmI missed the part where our Dear Leader went to Tehran and sat down with Satan himself for peaceful discussions. He said he would! Maybe thats still in the plans…ummm?
Report Post »4-The-Truth
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:20amThe real question is when will Iran try to fulfill its promised attack of Israel and what does Israel need to do to protect herself. Certainly it would make most Iranian military sense to attack Israel why Obama is in power and there is little to fear from the US. Israel has about 400 nukes and it might just be time for Israel to protect herself from all the evil anti-Semitic forces in the Middle East while she still can. I will support Israel every way I can.
Report Post »Gryphon Moor
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 11:45amOne nuke 300 miles above Tehran, EMP. Do unto others as they would do unto you.
Report Post »lynnissmart
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:37amWhy all the leaks huh??? Deliberately and on purpose……putting pressure on Israel to attack? Why?
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:46amOr, trying to influence world opinion against an Israeli attack?
Report Post »Doin it for da Chilren
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:00amMaybe the leaks are to get Iran to continue to mobilize and show a weakness. Whatever, they(radicals) want chaos for prophecy. So all who are in favor just remember.
Report Post »Doin it for da Chilren
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 9:36ama weakness that presents more opportunity. Iran is full of it anyways they are not backed into a corner. Talk is cheap.
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:37amlets get this show on the road!
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 8:15am“If sanctions don’t achieve the desired goal of stopping [Iran’s] military nuclear program, there will be a need to consider taking action,”
Report Post »Considering we have been pursuing sanctions for a long time now, an attack looks imminent. Let’s hope the Israelis are as good as we think they are.
LastAmerican
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:57amYou can bet odumdum or blabbermouth feinstien will let them know when it’s going to happen.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:40am.
Everybody sing…
One Little, Two Little ICBM’s
Three Little, Four Little ICBM’s
Five Little, Six Little ICBM’s
Iran is Glowing Red…..
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:33amIf Someone were to threaten me on a daily basis, i would strike first…. But once i started i would not stop until they were dead…….. No little slap in the face deal, they need to take the whole government out…..BOOM !
Report Post »Slowman101
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:20amUnfortunately, Israel will have little choice but to attack Iran if they want to survive as a nation. I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I think it will. As for the U.S., I hope we don’t sell out Isreal and stand idly by if and when they need our help. Obama cannot be trusted to back Israel or to make any foreign policy decisions that would have a positive impact on the situation. I have wondered that IF Israel does attack Iran, what other nations in that area will side with Iran, who would help Israel, and who will sit back and watch. One thing is certain, if Iran does get a nuclear weapon the whole region is in danger.
Report Post »qpwillie
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:05am“I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.”
Report Post »- B. Hussein Obama – Audacity of Hope
barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:53amIs this a Bill Clinton moment : depends on what the definition of “ugly” is ??
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:49am.
When you make that first strike, Don’t stop till they bend over like Obama, White Flag in one hand, and a tube of KY in the other…..
This is where the “Good Muslim’s” should do something, so the Jews don’t have too……
Report Post »wboehmer
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 7:09amExcept that there aren’t any good muslims, are there?
Since 9/11 I’ve been looking for evidence good things muslims are doing in the world . . . still haven’t found much!
Report Post »00gabooga
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:48amThis administration has gone out of its way to tell Israel they are on their own. Now obama wants to cry foul when they exercise their sovereignty? Talk about arrogance. All indications are the “civilized” middle-eastern countries will practically pin a medal on Israel should they wipe out Iran. Only the lunatic fringe will be upset. I’m sure the Taliban and Hamas will let the potus know how disappointed they are during the impending US/Terrorist summit meetings.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:51amHey. Obama is just doing his usual ” voting present.” He likes to confuse his allies..that way he won’t have to take any responsibility for any decisions. Wonder where he learned this “ hide behind the curtain” tactic ??
Report Post »johnpaulkuchtajr
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:35amBiBi was elected to lead Israel due to his promise of “never again.”
He seems like an honorable man who can be counted-on to fulfill his promises to his electorate.
He’s a Harvard man, don’t you know, just like Obammie!
Damn, they must have taken vastly different course work!
Report Post »OBAMA IS A FOUL EVIL TRAITOR
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:32amISRAEL SHOULD NUKE IRAN! That will mete out a devastating blow to Iran’s long-term prospects for developing nuclear weapons.
Report Post »Mateytwo Barreett
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:25amWhy? Why is the “administration’s anxiety level” so high? Netenyahu building another apeartment house? Refuse to go back to pre1967 borders? Ir certainly can’t be anything that Iran is doige, has done, or WILL do! Just like those Israelis to go sturrin’ up troble-again!
Report Post »But don’t worry, Leon Ponetta, the administration’s token Arab will be on Al Jazeera as soon as he finds out anything!
pamela kay
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:23amRight now and until the 2012 election Obama will use every means possible to come off as the savior of the world, the only president with the knowledge and experience to take control and save the American people from thmselves. For it is He that knows what is best for our future. Will there be many organized and carefully plotted acts of heroism on his part to attempt to pull the wool over our eyes, oh yeah. He and Hillary as well as all progressives want global law and currencey. Not to mention POWER! They are working with our enemies to get the job done. Look for countless “accomplishments” that will leave the GOP without any valid arguement against him. He will knock them out one by one. This is worldwide and overwhelmingly financed. Far bigger than we ever imagined. Beck has warned us and as always, he is right.
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:39amObama will use every means to pull in the weak minded , uneducated, and the poor. He will reach out to the illegals, the black community who still use the crutch of slavery or who can not betray their people, the white portion that carry the guilt from discrimination, the gay rights activists, the womens rights groups, the Roe verses Wade supporters, the global warming fanatics,the percentage of Americans that recieve intitlements, the union workers,and our indoctrinated youth to accomplish the progressive agenda. Those are tough odds to beat. We are in trouble.
Report Post »LIBS-ARE-DINGLEHEADS
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 4:46amIsrael will do what Israel does best, militarily. It will strike when the time (to them) is right.
Obama will play off on it and win re-election.
I hope I’m dead wrong on both counts.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:47amOf course Obama will take credit it for it. It will provide Another Seal Team moment via the teleprompter. ( you’ll notice that he is presently just “ voting present” on this issue, just like he is on the Occupier mess. Devilish in his ability to manipulate by staying out of the fray..no real opinions expressed..just stay out and see which way the wind blows events…frighteningly NOT a leader but a very crafty player of events while the world spirals more into chaos. ) Probably a very smart move politically…which is why this man is sitting in the White House…clever political player…
Report Post »v15
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:40amWill Israel strike first against Iran this year and is the Pope making the world a safer place for pedophiles? The answer, of course, is YES!
Report Post »Diane TX
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:56am@ V15,
The abusing minority of the Catholic Church is very tiny. Catholics are against homosexuality. Catholics expect their Priest to be heterosexual, and to abstain from heterosexual relationships.
Report Post »v15
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 5:04amI read somewhere a week ago that Former-President Jimmy Carter was giving President Obama advice on how to deal with Iran. I wasn’t alive then but I read that Carter was an inept president during the entire Iranian-American Hostages Crisis. So I’m pretty he is helping the Obama Administration write a stern letter to Iran saying, “If you continue to try to weaponize Uranium then we will be forced to write another stern letter.” The sad thing is that if Obama did attack Iran and start ww3, then he would probably get another Nobel Peace Prize.
I am guessing that Israel will strike Iran in May or September of this year. They really have no choice because the Ayatollah have made it quite clear that this is a holy war and that all Jews in Israel have to be destroyed. They really are fanatics and Israel knows this. After they strike, I am not sure what will happen next but I’m sure that Russia, China, Turkey, Yemen, Egypt, etc will not stand idly by.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:37amYou must be our Bash The Catholics/ religion Troll for the day. What does the Pope or pedophilia have to do with this topic ? Oh, nothing….but a good chance to spew some of the usual Lefty atheistic hatred for religion..
Report Post »Diane TX
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:40amI’d would be very happy if Israel would wipe Iran from the face of the Earth. The Iranians are a disgusting People, whom have a mission to alienate all those that believe in Jesus Christ. The choice is very easy. Follow Jesus Christ, or follow the sexual pervert Muhamed
Report Post »npbreakthrough
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:42ami want nachos
Report Post »johnpaulkuchtajr
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:41amHi Diane,
Funny, anybody who watched the middle class, Iranian protestors being clubbed, burned, stabbed and shot during the summer riots of 2009 might form a different opinion of the Iranian people. Were you watching TV back then?
In my estimation, the common Iranians are a folk who yearn for self-determination, much like Americans.
Trouble is, they lost an important part of OUR culture, SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS. Gun ownership distributed throughout our population is the ONLY thing keeping this country out of the hands of Marxist / Socialist politicians.
Stockpile your food, water and ammo. Tough times are coming that will test your resolve.
Report Post »survivorseed
Posted on February 7, 2012 at 8:44pmSo you’re saying death to infidels Diane…where have I heard that before. Another CINO on the Blaze
Report Post »TemayElbor
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:24amI am not worried for the nation of Israel. “HE who watches over Israel neither slumber nor sleeps….”
ISRAEL will always be a BLESSED NATION, no matter what its enemies say. They have in their hand that divine assurance of an eternal protection from the GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC and JACOB.
Yes, we know for a fact that their GOD was hard on them (allowed events such as the Holocaust, etc.). but HE will never forsake them….there is an EVERLASTING COVENANT.
What other country has a covenant with the ALMIGHTY? No other country, but Israel.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 6:28amExactly! God will not let His people perish.
Report Post »Gryphon Moor
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 11:52amThat’s my understanding, and why as a Christian, I fully support the nation and people of Israel. Amen.
Report Post »dsind
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:12amI wonder what benny net has to say about Clydes comment….and
Why is this traitor giving his muslim brotherhood buddies privledged info?
Report Post »oh thats right i’ve just answered my question,“traitor”
Captain Crunch
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:59am“….the only thing that ensures our existence, security and prosperity is our strength.”
And the hand of the Almighty that guards over His people Israel.
I wish they would get it on, get it over with, stop playing games with the reborn NAZI regime. It’ll be a rough ride with little or no gasoline, but Iran must be stopped. the top Muslen NAZI madman said the US was passive. Obama isn’t going to do anything to help Israel, and Iran knows that. Israel must take matters into their own hands to stop the NAZIS who are threatening them once again. It’s a damm shame that so many of our brave solders died in Europe during WW2 to stop HItler and yet the animals still survived in the form of crazy Arabs and Persians. When we invaded Iraq we should have kept going and smashed Iran and all those other arshole nations in the middle east. Now we have all these crazy people talking about taking over the world. I hope Israel hits them hard and soon. Let WW3 begin.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 3:54amDid you ever take a moment and think. Maybe this is a set-up ?? I have & what happens if Obama makes it open season Israel? Do you trust a guy that spent 20yrs in a Jew hating church?
Report Post »Hrothgar
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:37amIf Israel strikes first it will build martyrdom in the extremist population and now they will have more fuel for the Jihad. This is a trap to turn Israel into an aggressive state that wants to eradicate Muslim’s and will turn the Islamic countries and there people into victims because the “evil Jews attacked us peaceful Muslim’s” Israel needs to go on the defensive not the offensive. This will lead to a world war if Israel makes the first move. However, I believe that if Iran attempts to throw the first punch the scales will tilt in favor of Israel and that countries will rally around her and denounce the actions of Iran. I’m pretty confident that the Patriot Missiles that Israel has will do their job in the event of a missile strike from Iran.
Report Post »pamela kay
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 2:43amHow could anyone blame them? As small as their country is they have more courage and determination to protect their land and people than any other country in the world. I support what ever decision they make and pray for their safety and survival. They have God on their side to face their battle that no man or army can equal that.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:33amWhile this administration “speculates” and wonders. Heck, this administration / Democrats can not even handle the Occupiers….
Report Post »Hrothgar
Posted on February 6, 2012 at 10:45amI hope you‘re right cause I didn’t see much divine protection from the Egyptians, Christians or Germans on behalf of the Jewish people.
Report Post »