Pentagon Official Warns of Israeli Attack on Iran

weedzilla420 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:42 PM

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/US/St...5281043&page=2

Pentagon Official Warns of Israeli Attack on Iran

U.S. Offical Sees Two 'Red Lines' That Could Prompt Strike
BY JONATHAN KARL
WASHINGTON, June 30, 2008—

Senior Pentagon officials are concerned that Israel could carry out an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities before the end of the year, an action that would have enormous security and economic repercussions for the United States and the rest of the world.

A senior defense official told ABC News there is an "increasing likelihood" that Israel will carry out such an attack, a move that likely would prompt Iranian retaliation against, not just Israel, but against the United States as well.

The official identified two "red lines" that could trigger an Israeli offensive. The first is tied to when Iran's Natanz nuclear facility produces enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon. According to the latest U.S. and Israeli intelligence assessments, that is likely to happen sometime in 2009, and could happen by the end of this year.

"The red line is not when they get to that point, but before they get to that point," the official said. "We are in the window of vulnerability."

The second red line is connected to when Iran acquires the SA-20 air defense system it is buying from Russia. The Israelis may want to strike before that system -- which would make an attack much more difficult -- is put in place.

Some Pentagon officials also worry that Israel may be determined to attack before a new U.S. president, who may be less supportive, is sworn in next January.

Pentagon officials believe the massive Israeli air force exercise in early June, first reported by the New York Times, was done to prepare for a possible attack. A senior official called it "not a rehearsal, but basic, fundamental training" required to launch an operation against Iran.

"The Israeli air force has already conducted the basic exercise necessary to tell their senior leadership, 'We have the fundamentals down.' Might they need some more training and rehearsals? Yes. But have they done the fundamentals? I think that is what we saw," the official told ABC News, adding that if Israel moves closer to military action, he expects to see more exercises like the one conducted in early June.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, was in Israel over the weekend for a series of meetings with senior Israeli military officials, including, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces. According to a military spokesman, Iran's nuclear program was "a major topic" of discussion.

The widely held view among Pentagon officials is that an Israeli attack would do only temporary damage to Iran's nuclear program, and that it would cause major problems in the region and beyond, prompting a wave of attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and elsewhere.

As another senior defense official put it, "We'd be guilty by association."

Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures

Rdaws420 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:51 PM

Those crazy Israelis. *sigh*

Sam_Spade · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 08:08 PM

Greetings,

This is news? I'm pretty sure I read this VERY article in 1982.

This is a political play, not a military move. If Israel were serious about attacking Iran, you would only hear of it afterwards.

Yours Truly,
Sam_Spade

NFloyd2357 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 08:32 PM

its not like this is some investigative report or anything. The israeli prime minister literally said this might happen months ago. He said something along the lines of "if iran continues to produce enriched uranium, we will make sure there is no more iran." He literally said that he would attack iran if they didnt stop producing uranium. ANd israel has actual nuclear warheads that are, and have been, aimed at iran

[edit] other quotes on the situation from almost a month ago:

“If Iran continues with its program for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective,” Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz told the mass-circulation Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

“Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable,” said the former army chief who has also been defense minister."

omadon · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:27 PM

god damnit more frigging Israeli militarism... it was bad enough in the Old Testament days when they were unpopular because they were constantly trying to kill off all their neighbours and getting confused as to why they were so unpopular, but now they have the numbber oen nation on earth backing them...

My personal view is that we need to basically say to Israel 'ok, free the Palestinians, equalize rights in your country for non-jews, and quit your saber rattling, otherwise we will withdraw funding of your armed forces and let the rest of the middle east know about, see how long you last.'

Unfortunately that will never happen because virtually every Jewish person in America will start pissing and moaning about anti-semitism in our government, hell we already have people accusing our government of anti-semitism, as far as I am concerned, if its so bad in this country for them they can pack up and leave for Israel... except wait, then they would be required to join the Israeli military if they wanted to be citizens and get work and fight for their supposedly strong beliefs...

Seriously any group that has been opressed throughout Human history expects special treatment now, even if the rason they were hated and enslaved in the first place was a good one. The US could easily stop this threat, our government just needs to grow some balls where Israel is concerned.

pavlakos · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:15 PM

ha!!! i called it in the other thread.

expect a WW3 when syria, and pallestine and probably lebanon jump in, and of course if israels in so is britain and the rest of the EU.

and if every jewish person starts bitching theyre dumb because the UN and some of the american govt and military are under jewish zionist control. and you know americas got israels back...

rumandromanism · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:29 PM

lolcopter. you guys just know everything. I wish I spent more time reading about these conspiracy theories instead of working and writing/practicing/rehearsising/playing live music. You definitely have the life.

It's a scary article, and I agree that Israel is a scary country. However, just because the USA feels burdened to protect Israel "at all costs" doesn't necessarily mean that there is some federal conspiracy. Go for a backpacking trip and do your paranoid minds some good. Not worrying constantly might make you a happier person.

pavlakos · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:31 PM

im sorry, but this is just political science, not sure if youre being a sarcastic prick or if youre serious.

rumandromanism · #9 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:34 PM

A lady never asks, a man never tells

HighGrowMan · #10 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumandromanism

lolcopter. you guys just know everything. I wish I spent more time reading about these conspiracy theories instead of working and writing/practicing/rehearsising/playing live music. You definitely have the life.

It's a scary article, and I agree that Israel is a scary country. However, just because the USA feels burdened to protect Israel "at all costs" doesn't necessarily mean that there is some federal conspiracy. Go for a backpacking trip and do your paranoid minds some good. Not worrying constantly might make you a happier person.

We aren't talking about a conspiracy here; we are talking about the facts.

What does your playing music have anything to do with anything in this thread. All it does is show that you are incompetent.

You know it doesn't take any longer to believe the truth than it does to believe the lie; Maybe it's just that you don't have the balls to think about what's really happening outside your sheltered little life.

pavlakos · #11 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumandromanism

A lady never asks, a man never tells

okay, so im gonna go with sarcastic prick. if you were here and called me a lady id punch you in the mouth. in my opinion thats extremely disrespectful.

rumandromanism · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:49 PM

Well, I guess you really showed me. I'm going to go watch Fox News and believe everything I see.

Not believing the truth? I'm sorry, but I just can't really believe that Jews are teaming up to overthrow the US and the world. Like I said before, you can't generalize all types of people because of one faction.

First of all, I am not Jewish. I am not defending Zionism, Israel or America. I do not agree with the way Israel treats Palestinians or with the way they run policies. But whatever, I don't care about any of you enough to try and convince you.

http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_...32275ee3cc6448

Not all American Jews support Israel either.

rumandromanism · #13 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pavlakos

okay, so im gonna go with sarcastic prick. if you were here and called me a lady id punch you in the mouth. in my opinion thats extremely disrespectful.

I guess you can't take a joke. See, I took an old addage and reversed it. Nothing more. Maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch.

pavlakos · #14 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumandromanism

Well, I guess you really showed me. I'm going to go watch Fox News and believe everything I see.

Not believing the truth? I'm sorry, but I just can't really believe that Jews are teaming up to overthrow the US and the world. Like I said before, you can't generalize all types of people because of one faction.

First of all, I am not Jewish. I am not defending Zionism, Israel or America. I do not agree with the way Israel treats Palestinians or with the way they run policies. But whatever, I don't care about any of you enough to try and convince you.

http://news.ncmonline.com/news/view_...32275ee3cc6448

Not all American Jews support Israel either.

not syaing all jews are responsible, just head Zionist Jews who run the media and propaganda machines like CBS and FOX, and of course people like Rothschild and other in the CFR of the UN.

good to hear you dont care about anyone....

Quote:

Originally Posted by rumandromanism

I guess you can't take a joke. See, I took an old addage and reversed it. Nothing more. Maybe you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch.

i may be a little cranky right now, but its still disrespectful nevertheless.

rumandromanism · #15 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 11:13 PM

Jews running Fox News? The WASPiest news network in the country? The favorite news channel of Bible Belt Christians and the Bush Administration? Wow. I could hear you out on CBS, but I dont know man.

I guess these Jews that run Fox are just out of touch from the rest of Jewish America....most of the Jews that I know are liberal and don't tend to watch Fox News.

I guess I am just too cynical to believe anything, be it conspiracy or White House briefings. Let's end the petty bullshit and name-calling and just call a truce.

Maybe you guys should make an official conspiracy theory thread instead of turning every news story into one.

That's a serious thought, not a joke.

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#1 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 07:42 PM
weedzilla420 freedom fighter Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Interstate 420, USA Posts: 2,116	Pentagon Official Warns of Israeli Attack on Iran http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/US/St...5281043&page=2 Pentagon Official Warns of Israeli Attack on Iran U.S. Offical Sees Two 'Red Lines' That Could Prompt Strike BY JONATHAN KARL WASHINGTON, June 30, 2008— Senior Pentagon officials are concerned that Israel could carry out an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities before the end of the year, an action that would have enormous security and economic repercussions for the United States and the rest of the world. A senior defense official told ABC News there is an "increasing likelihood" that Israel will carry out such an attack, a move that likely would prompt Iranian retaliation against, not just Israel, but against the United States as well. The official identified two "red lines" that could trigger an Israeli offensive. The first is tied to when Iran's Natanz nuclear facility produces enough highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon. According to the latest U.S. and Israeli intelligence assessments, that is likely to happen sometime in 2009, and could happen by the end of this year. "The red line is not when they get to that point, but before they get to that point," the official said. "We are in the window of vulnerability." The second red line is connected to when Iran acquires the SA-20 air defense system it is buying from Russia. The Israelis may want to strike before that system -- which would make an attack much more difficult -- is put in place. Some Pentagon officials also worry that Israel may be determined to attack before a new U.S. president, who may be less supportive, is sworn in next January. Pentagon officials believe the massive Israeli air force exercise in early June, first reported by the New York Times, was done to prepare for a possible attack. A senior official called it "not a rehearsal, but basic, fundamental training" required to launch an operation against Iran. "The Israeli air force has already conducted the basic exercise necessary to tell their senior leadership, 'We have the fundamentals down.' Might they need some more training and rehearsals? Yes. But have they done the fundamentals? I think that is what we saw," the official told ABC News, adding that if Israel moves closer to military action, he expects to see more exercises like the one conducted in early June. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, was in Israel over the weekend for a series of meetings with senior Israeli military officials, including, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, the chief of staff of the Israeli Defense Forces. According to a military spokesman, Iran's nuclear program was "a major topic" of discussion. The widely held view among Pentagon officials is that an Israeli attack would do only temporary damage to Iran's nuclear program, and that it would cause major problems in the region and beyond, prompting a wave of attacks on U.S. interests in Iraq, the Persian Gulf and elsewhere. As another senior defense official put it, "We'd be guilty by association." Copyright © 2008 ABC News Internet Ventures __________________ The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one. -Adolf Hitler In a world of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. -George Orwell Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable. -John F. Kennedy

#2 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 07:51 PM
Rdaws420 Banned Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 372	Those crazy Israelis. sigh

#3 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 08:08 PM
Sam_Spade Shit of the Universe Join Date: May 2008 Location: Canada Posts: 3,847	Greetings, This is news? I'm pretty sure I read this VERY article in 1982. This is a political play, not a military move. If Israel were serious about attacking Iran, you would only hear of it afterwards. Yours Truly, Sam_Spade __________________ Sam_Spade, Because somebody has to be better than you.

#4 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 08:32 PM
NFloyd2357 Midnight Toker Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New England Posts: 3,618 Blog Entries: 1	its not like this is some investigative report or anything. The israeli prime minister literally said this might happen months ago. He said something along the lines of "if iran continues to produce enriched uranium, we will make sure there is no more iran." He literally said that he would attack iran if they didnt stop producing uranium. ANd israel has actual nuclear warheads that are, and have been, aimed at iran [edit] other quotes on the situation from almost a month ago: “If Iran continues with its program for developing nuclear weapons, we will attack it. The sanctions are ineffective,” Transport Minister Shaul Mofaz told the mass-circulation Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. “Attacking Iran, in order to stop its nuclear plans, will be unavoidable,” said the former army chief who has also been defense minister." __________________ Last edited by NFloyd2357; 07-01-2008 at 08:36 PM.

#5 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 09:27 PM
omadon Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 14	god damnit more frigging Israeli militarism... it was bad enough in the Old Testament days when they were unpopular because they were constantly trying to kill off all their neighbours and getting confused as to why they were so unpopular, but now they have the numbber oen nation on earth backing them... My personal view is that we need to basically say to Israel 'ok, free the Palestinians, equalize rights in your country for non-jews, and quit your saber rattling, otherwise we will withdraw funding of your armed forces and let the rest of the middle east know about, see how long you last.' Unfortunately that will never happen because virtually every Jewish person in America will start pissing and moaning about anti-semitism in our government, hell we already have people accusing our government of anti-semitism, as far as I am concerned, if its so bad in this country for them they can pack up and leave for Israel... except wait, then they would be required to join the Israeli military if they wanted to be citizens and get work and fight for their supposedly strong beliefs... Seriously any group that has been opressed throughout Human history expects special treatment now, even if the rason they were hated and enslaved in the first place was a good one. The US could easily stop this threat, our government just needs to grow some balls where Israel is concerned.

#6 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 10:15 PM
pavlakos Unmasked Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: milky way Posts: 3,629	ha!!! i called it in the other thread. expect a WW3 when syria, and pallestine and probably lebanon jump in, and of course if israels in so is britain and the rest of the EU. and if every jewish person starts bitching theyre dumb because the UN and some of the american govt and military are under jewish zionist control. and you know americas got israels back... __________________

#8 (permalink) 07-01-2008, 10:31 PM
pavlakos Unmasked Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: milky way Posts: 3,629	im sorry, but this is just political science, not sure if youre being a sarcastic prick or if youre serious. __________________

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