Did The NSA Hire Two Secretive Israeli Companies To Wiretap The U.S. Telecommunications Network?

Reuters

DID YOU KNOW?: Two Secretive Israeli Companies Reportedly Bugged The US Telecommunications Grid For The NSA -- Business Insider

The newest information regarding the NSA domestic spying scandal raises an important question: If America's tech giants didn't 'participate knowingly' in the dragnet of electronic communication, how does the NSA get all of their data?

One theory: the NSA hired two secretive Israeli companies to wiretap the U.S. telecommunications network.

In April 2012 Wired's James Bamford — author of the book "The Shadow Factory: The NSA from 9/11 to the Eavesdropping on America" — reported that two companies with extensive links to Israel's intelligence service provided hardware and software to wiretap the U.S. telecommunications network for the National Security Agency (NSA).

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My Comment: An intriguing (and if true it is disturbing) intelligence relationship .... the Israeli are being used to spy and collect data on Americans so that U.S. agencies cannot be accused of breaking U.S. laws. I know that no one is going to confirm this publicly .... but it is a question that needs to be answered. More coverage and discussion of Israeli capabilities to penetrate U.S. communication networks can be read here.

U.S. Reveals Details Of Missile Base That Israel Wanted Kept Secret

Diagram showing stages of missile interception by the Arrow system. The picture shows a hostile missile trajectory and that of the Black Sparrow air-launched target missile used in firing tests. Wikipedia

U.S. Publishes Details Of Missile Base Israel Wanted Kept Secret -- McClatchy News

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s military fumed Monday over the discovery that the U.S. government had revealed details of a top-secret Israeli military installation in published bid requests.

The Obama administration had promised to build Israel a state-of-the-art facility to house a new ballistic-missile defense system, the Arrow 3. As with all Defense Department projects, detailed specifications were made public so that contractors could bid on the $25 million project. The specifications included more than 1,000 pages of details on the facility, ranging from the heating and cooling systems to the thickness of the walls.

"If an enemy of Israel wanted to launch an attack against a facility, this would give him an easy how-to guide. This type of information is closely guarded and its release can jeopardize the entire facility," said an Israeli military official who commented on the publication of the proposal but declined to be named because he wasn’t authorized to discuss the facility. He declined to say whether plans for the facility have been altered as a result of the disclosure.

"This is more than worrying, it is shocking," he said.

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My Comment: Israel wanted the money .... so they must have known that Pentagon procurement rules are just that .... rules that need to be followed. And while I do know that this is probably not the best way to operate national security projects .... closed and secret bids has little public or political support back in the U.S..

CIA Chief John Brennan On Surprise Visit To Israel (Updated)

U.S. President Barack Obama (C) announces his nominees for new U.S. Secretary of Defense former Republican U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (L) and new CIA director White House counterterrorism adviser John Brennan (R) at the White House in Washington January 7, 2013. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

CIA Chief John Brennan Makes Surprise Israel Visit For Syria Talks -- The Guardian

Unannounced meeting with PM Netanyahu and senior Israeli figures comes amid concerns over Syrian weapons.

The CIA chief has made an unexpected visit to Israel to meet senior political and military figures to discuss the deteriorating security situation in neighbouring Syria.

John Brennan, who took up his post two months ago, met the Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, defence minister, Moshe Ya'alon, military chief of staff, Benny Gantz, and Mossad chief, Tamir Pardo, according to reports in Israel media.

The unannounced meetings followed two Israeli air strikes on weapons stores near Damascus a fortnight ago. Israel has repeatedly warned it will take action to prevent advanced or chemical weapons being transferred to the Syrian regime's Lebanese ally, Hezbollah, or falling into the hands of jihadist groups fighting alongside the Syrian opposition.

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More News On CIA Chief John Brennan In Israel

CIA chief John Brennan in Israel on mystery stop -- Washington Times
CIA chief 'in surprise Israel trip over Syria' -- Asia One/AFP
John Brennan, CIA Chief, Makes Unannounced Israel Visit -- AP
CIA chief pays surprise visit to Israel -- Times of Israel
CIA Chief Brennan Makes Unannounced Israel Visit -- Newsmax
CIA chief in Israel to discuss situation in Syria -- Global Times/Xinhua
CIA chief John Brennan visits Israel to discuss Syria -- Press TV (Iran)

The US Helicopter Carrier USS Kearsarge Docking At The Israeli Port Of Eliat

The USS Kearsarge steaming in the Gulf of Aqaba (photo credit: Official US Navy Imagery)

US Aircraft Carrier Docks In Eilat -- Times Of Israel

USS Kearsarge’s returns to the Gulf of Aqaba for the first time since it was nearly hit by rockets in 2005.

An American aircraft carrier docked Tuesday in Eilat and is scheduled to remain in port for several days.

The USS Kearsarge’s arrival was prearranged with Israeli officials as part of the US military’s routine operations in the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf.

No joint drills are planned between the carrier and IDF forces, an IDF spokesman said, but the Kearsarge’s crew will be granted shore leave in Israel’s southern resort town. The soldiers are also scheduled to take part in tours around the country.

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More News Of The USS Kearsarge Docking At The Israeli Port Of Eliat

US Helicopter Carrier in Eilat -- Israel Defense
U.S. Naval Carrier Makes Rare Stop in Eilat -- Algemeiner
US aircraft carrier docks in Eilat Port -- YNet News
U.S. Warship Arrives in Israeli Red Sea Port for Visit -- CRIEnglish

U.S. Senate Votes To Assist Israel In An Attack Against Iran

Senators Approve Resolution to Assist Israel in Iran Strike -- Arutz Sheva

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee adopts a resolution which stipulates that the U.S. will assist Israel in an attack against Iran.

The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee adopted on Tuesday a resolution which stipulates that the U.S. will assist Israel if it is forced to take action against Iran.

The resolution, Senate Resolution 65, was introduced last month by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and was co-sponsored by 15 Senators, including Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Kelly Ayotte (R-New Hampshire), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Chuck Schumer (D-New York).

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Update #1: US Senate c'tee: US will assist Israel if it attacks Iran -- Jerusalem Post
Update #2: US Senate: Will back Israeli attack on Iran -- YNet News

My Comment: I call this "laying the groundwork" for war.

Did President Obama Give Israel's Netanyahu A Green Light To Attack Iran? (Commentary)

Barack Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu on the tarmac at Ben Gurion International Airport. Photo by GPO

Obama Gave Netanyahu The Green Light On Iran -- K.T. McFarland

Most analysts think President Obama went to Israel in a public relations effort to smooth relations between the two countries. He wasn’t aiming for any breakthroughs in the peace process, and tried to dampen expectations in advance. The visit may have started out that way, but by the end I think something significant did happen.

There are signs President Obama and Prime Minister Netanyahu have come to some sort of private understanding over Iran. I think Obama gave Netanyahu a green light to do whatever Israel has to do to stop Iran. America will give Israel the advanced weapons it needs for a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear sites, but will not join in that fight. Obama said, “we’ve got your back,” but did not say "we’ll be with you shoulder to shoulder should fighting break out."

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My Comment: I see no green light .... what I saw was a President focused on maintaining the status quo. I also concur with Ali Gharib's post on this issue .... the line in the sand has been drawn .... and the ball is now in Iran's court.

Update: Israel's defense, political establishments understand Obama's not bluffing on Iran -- Haaretz

Commentaries, Opinions, Editorials, And Analysis On President Obama's Visit To Israel

Expectations Low for Obama's First Israel Trip -- Julia Amalia Heyer, Speigel Online

Little is likely to change as a result of US President Barack Obama's visit to the Holy Land this week. Israel and the US have grown accustomed to the status quo, even as the threat increases that the Israelis may push ahead with settlement building that could eliminate the possibility of a two-state solution.

The diagnosis, says Shaul Arieli, is called cardiac thrombosis. The arteries are clogged and the patient is at risk of a heart attack. He needs surgery, the sooner the better -- but he doesn't want to have it. Instead, he insists that it's just a stomach ache, and all he wants is to take an antacid pill.

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Commentaries, Opinions, Editorials, And Analysis On President Obama's Visit To Israel

On the agenda -- Jerusalem Post editorial
Obama starts rebuilding bridges in Israel -- Mark Mardell, BBC
President Obama's Israel visit highlights common goals and a rare friendship -- Shai Bazak, Christian Science Monitor
Obama needs to be more than just a tourist in Israel -- The Telegraph
Pomp and low expectations for Obama in Israel -- The Telegraph
Obama faces battle to woo Israeli public -- Geoff Dyer and John Reed, Financial Times
It’s Up to Obama -- Mustafa Barghouthi, New York Times
Israel’s Fate Is Now in Barack Obama’s Hands -- Jeffrey Goldberg, Bloomberg
Is Obama Trying to Undermine the Israeli Government? -- Caroline Glick, Real Clear World/Jerusalem Post
In West Bank, faint hopes for Obama’s visit -- Joel Greenberg, Washington Post
On the Brink: Rough ride ahead for Obama as Palestinians, Israelis lukewarm over visit -- John Ray, NBC News
Obama's Israel visit gives no sign of hope for Palestinians -- National Editorial
Obama Set for Mideast Trip With Low Expectations for Breakthrough -- Dan Robinson, Voice of America
Obama Visit Signals Nadir of Israeli Left -- Jonathan S. Tobin, Commentary
What Obama Is Doing In Israel -- Ben Smith, Buzzfeed
Analysis: How Obama won over the settlers -- Gregg Carlstrom, Al Jazeera
How Obama Became Netanyahu -- Peter Beinart, Daily Beast
America and Israel: Linked by History, but No Longer United -- George Friedman, Real Clear World/Stratfor

President Obama Visits Israel -- News Updates March 20, 2013

'Our Strongest Ally And Your Greatest Friend': Obama Arrives In Israel For Historic Visit - His First Since Becoming President -- Daily Mail

* US President Barack Obama makes his first trip to Israel of his presidency
* Peace talks are high on agenda, while other topics include Syria and Iran
* All eyes on Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu as the two leaders are known to have a rocky relationship
* Israelis are already infuriated by the trip as it comes just days before Passover and Obama's security protocols shut down much of Jerusalem

President Barack Obama arrived in Israel this morning for his first visit to the region since taking office in 2008, and upon touchdown he called the U.S. Israel's 'strongest ally and your greatest friend.'

The kind words were traded on both sides, as Israeli President Shimon Peres welcomed Obama, declaring that 'A world without America's leadership, without her moral voice, would be a darker world.

'A world without your friendship, would invite aggression against Israel.'

The important trip to Israel had its first hiccup before he even arrived as his limo broke down after the driver put gas in the tank instead of diesel.

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More News On President Obama's Visit To Israel

Barack Obama promises 'unwavering commitment' to Israeli security – live -- The Guardian
LIVE BLOG: Barack Obama visits Israel: Day one -- Haaretz

Obama Begins First Visit to Israel as President -- Wall Street Journal
Obama arrives in Israel, vows undying U.S. support -- Reuters
Obama vows unwavering support for Israel -- Bloomberg Businessweek/AP
Obama in Israel on first official visit -- Al Jazeera
Obama reaffirms US support for Israel at start of visit -- BBC
Obama on first Israel trip as president vows 'eternal' alliance -- BBC
Obama calls U.S.-Israel ties "eternal" -- McClatchy News
Barack Obama arrives in Tel Aviv and pledges 'eternal' support for Jewish state on his first official visit to Israel -- The Independent
Obama tells Israel 'our alliance is eternal' -- The Telegraph
Obama, Arriving in Israel, Offers Reassurance -- New York Times
Barack Obama visits Israel in effort to boost relations with Netanyahu -- The Guardian
Obama starts first presidential visit to Israel -- L.A. Times
Image makeover? Obama arrives in Israel after 5-year hiatus, stresses ties -- FOX News
Obama begins Israel visit by viewing Iron Dome battery -- Washington Post
Backup presidential limo on its way for Obama in Israel after fuel filling failure -- The Guardian

Israel: 'Enormous Threats' In Region

Israel PM Warns Of 'Enormous Threats' In Region On Eve Of Obama Visit -- The Guardian

Binyamin Netanyahu vows to guarantee future of Jewish people as Israel, prepares for Barack Obama's first visit as president.

The new Israeli government will use Barack Obama's visit to Jerusalem this week as an opportunity "to show our gratitude to the American people", said Binyamin Netanyahu before being sworn in for a third term as prime minister on Monday.

"Obama's visit will be an opportunity to thank him," Netanyahu said after warning that Israel faced "enormous threats" in the region and pledging to "guarantee the future of the Jewish people by guaranteeing the future of the state of Israel, the root of our existence".

The government was sworn in almost eight weeks after the election on 22 January, and just two days before Obama is due to arrive in Israel for his first visit as president.

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My Comment: President Obama is flying to Israel tonight .... I guess they (Obama and Netanyahu) are going to have a lot to talk about when they meet.

Israel To Grill Obama Over Possible Military Strike On Iran

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu points to a red line he has drawn on a graphic of a bomb used to represent Iran's nuclear program as he addresses the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. Lucas Jackson / Reuters

On The Brink: Israel To Grill Obama Over Possible Military Strike On Iran -- NBC

The leaders of the United States and Israel are about to have some serious face time -- five-and-a-half hours culminating in a late-night dinner on Wednesday. Three key issues will dominate the agenda: Iran, Syria and the Palestinians. In the first part of our "On the Brink" series, NBC News correspondent Martin Fletcher -- who has been covering the region for three decades -- gives his take on a problem of global significance: the prospect of Iran getting nuclear weapons and military action to stop that happening.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will have one key question for President Barack Obama when they meet Wednesday: If push comes to shove, will America attack Iran to stop the Iranians from developing a nuclear bomb?

Obama has a question of his own, just as critical. Will Israel promise not to attack Iran without American approval?

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My Comment: Not surprising .... with all of these expectations .... the White House is now downplaying this trip.

Report: Israel Wants U.S. Air Strikes In Syria To Stop Missile Transfers To Hezbollah

IDF soldiers on the Syria-Israel border. Photo by Yaron Kaminsky

Israel To Ask Obama To Use Air Strikes In Case Of Syrian Missile Transfer -- The Guardian

US expected to resist Israeli pressure to attack Iran, while Tel Aviv unlikely to yield on Palestine, leaving Syria a common goal.

Israel will use President Obama's visit on Wednesday to try to persuade the US to carry out air strikes on Syria if there is evidence that Syrian missiles are to be handed over to Hezbollah in Lebanon, or at least to give full support to Israeli military action to prevent the transfer.

On this week's trip to Israel and the West Bank, Obama will also come under Israeli pressure to lower the US threshold for military action against Iran, while the US president will try for an Israeli commitment to a peace process with the Palestinians. Neither side is likely to be successful, leaving Syria as the most promising arena for agreement.

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More News On Reports That Israel Wants The U.S. To Launch Air Strikes In Syria To Stop Missile Transfers To Hezbollah

PM to request US carry out joint airstrikes on Syrian missiles -- Times of Israel
Israel may ask Obama to hit Syria missiles -- UPI
Report: Israel to ask Obama to stop the flow of arms from Syria to Hezbollah -- Haaretz
J'lem to ask Obama to stop Syria arms transfers -- Jerusalem Post

My Comment: Here is an easy prediction .... President Obama is going to say no to this request.

Tensions Rise In Israel And The Palestinian Territories Over President Obama's Visit

Boiling Point -- Washington Free Beacon

Violence mounts in West Bank, Gaza in lead up to Obama visit.

Unrest is growing in the Palestinian territories ahead of President Barack Obama’s first visit to Israel on March 20.

Riots and protests have erupted throughout the West Bank and Gaza Strip in recent days, prompting some Israeli officials and Middle East observers to warn that Obama’s visit could spark a third intifada.

“The Palestinians have not said the final word yet, and we expect that there will be attempts to take advantage of the upcoming events, like the visit by Barack Obama, in order to continue the violence,” Israel public security minister Yitzhak Aharonovich was quoted as saying Monday by news outlet Arutz Sheva.

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Previous Post: Hamas Will Declare War If President Obama Visits The Temple Mount

More News On The President Obama's Trip To Israel And The West Bank

Israel prepares for Obama with no-fly zones and snipers at junctions -- Tiems of Israel
Israel preps for Obama’s first visit with operation ‘Unbreakable Alliance’ -- Washington Times
Israel gears up for Obama's planned visit -- Xinhuanet
Obama can't come to Iron Dome, so Iron Dome will come to him -- Israel Hayom
Obama's Israel Checklist: Dead Sea Scrolls, Birthplace Of Jesus, Missile Defense System -- Forbes
Obama to keep Kosher on his Israel trip -- Global Post
Obama meets Arab American leaders, seeks input ahead of Mideast trip -- Washington Post/AP
Obama packs for an Israeli adventure -- Wesley Pruden, The Washington Times
The three issues that could torpedo Obama's visit to Israel -- Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, Haaretz
U.S. Policy in the Middle East on the Eve of President Obama’s Trip -- Center For American Progress
Obama: No ‘Grand Peace Plan’ During Israel Trip -- Time

U.S. To Cut $500 Million In Military Aid To Israel?

Institute for Public Accuracy

Israel Fears $500M U.S. Military Aid Cut -- UPI

There is deepening concern in Israel that U.S. sequestration signals cuts in U.S. aid slowing a crucial missile defense program.

TEL AVIV, Israel, March 4 (UPI) -- There is deepening concern in Israel that U.S. sequestration signals cuts of up to $500 million in U.S. military aid in the months ahead, slowing a crucial missile defense program at a time when sanctions-battered Iran could strike.

"While exact figures pertaining to any sequestration-related cuts remain shrouded in the fog of behind-the-scenes negotiations and much political grandstanding, a full implementation of sequestration would mean significant reductions in U.S. military assistance to Israel, including funding for joint missile defense programs and the Iron Dome short-range, anti-rocket system," The Times of Israel observed.

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Sequestration May Result In A $500 Million Military Aid Cut To Israel

'Israel lobby' to push for aid despite sequestration cuts -- The Hill
US Budget Cuts to Impact Military Aid to Israel -- Yeshiva World
Israel expects loss of $500 million due to US budget cuts -- Middle East Monitor
Steinitz: Israel is worried by US sequester -- Jerusalem Post

Is President Obama Trying To Influence Israel's Election?

Netanyahu and Obama. Photo: Jim Young/ Reuters

Obama: ‘Israel Doesn’t Know What Its Best Interests Are’ -- Jeffrey Goldberg, Bloomberg

Shortly after the United Nations General Assembly voted in late November to upgrade the status of the Palestinians, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that it would advance plans to establish a settlement in an area of the West Bank known as E-1, and that it would build 3,000 additional housing units in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.

A large settlement in E-1, an empty zone between Jerusalem and the Jewish settlement city of Maaleh Adumim, would make the goal of politically moderate Palestinians -- the creation of a geographically contiguous state -- much harder to achieve.

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My Comment: Some Israelis are not amused with this interference.

What Is Site 911? And Why Is The U.S. Building It For Israel At A Cost Of $100 Million?

U.S. Army

U.S. Overseeing Mysterious Construction Project In Israel -- Walter Pincus, Washington Post

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to supervise construction of a five-story underground facility for an Israel Defense Forces complex, oddly named “Site 911,” at an Israeli Air Force base near Tel Aviv.

Expected to take more than two years to build, at a cost of up to $100 million, the facility is to have classrooms on Level 1, an auditorium on Level 3, a laboratory, shock-resistant doors, protection from nonionizing radiation and very tight security. Clearances will be required for all construction workers, guards will be at the fence and barriers will separate it from the rest of the base.

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Update #1: Why Is The US Building A Secret $100 Million Underground Facility Outside Tel Aviv? -- Business Insider
Update #2: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers taking bids to build complex for Israeli Air Force -- CNN

My Comment: Any predictions that  there will be American personal at this installation once this it is completed,?

What's Next In U.S. - Israeli Relations?

Barack Obama and Binyamin Netanyahu at the White House in 2010. If the US leader is inclined to make nice with his Israeli counterpart, one possibility is a visit to Israel in 2013. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters

Binyamin Netanyahu Faces Risk Of 'Payback' After Barack Obama Victory -- The Guardian

Israeli leader may be on the back foot over Iran and the Palestinians after apparently backing Romney for US president.

It was hard to imagine champagne corks popping in the Israeli prime minister's Jerusalem residence as Barack Obama took to the stage to make his victory speech. Much more likely was a mood of sombre resignation, possibly spiked with trepidation, as Binyamin Netanyahu reflected on his heavy bet on the wrong horse.

Judging by the swiftly delivered official response, there is no problem: Netanyahu and Obama will continue their close, warm and strategically aligned partnership.

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More News On U.S. - Israeli Relations After The US Presidential Elections

Israel PM congratulates Obama, says ties strong -- AFP
Netanyahu lauds Obama victory: Israel-U.S. ties are stronger than ever -- Haaretz
PM congratulates Obama: US-Israel ties stronger than ever -- YNet News
Obama victory spells trouble for Israel's Netanyahu -- Reuters
Obama victory raises questions about future of Israel relations -- Washington Post
Israelis hopeful that Obama knows the threat they face -- USA Today
Obama and Bibi's Rocky Road Ahead -- Ali Gharib, Daily Beast
Barack Obama’s Win, Benjamin Netanyahu’s Loss -- Dan Ephron, Daily Beast
After Obama Wins Second Term, Debate Shifts to Future of U.S.-Israel Relationship -- Jacob Kamaras, Algemeiner
Obama and Netanyahu -- After the U.S. and Before the Israeli Election --
Dr. Josef Olmert, Huffington Post
Five thoughts from Israel on Obama’s re-election -- Barak Ravid, Haaretz

My Comment: Israeli hawks are now very worried. As to what is my take .... the three issues that have .... and will continue to frame U.S. - Israeli relations in the months (and years?) to come are (1) Iran, (2) Palestinians and their move towards statehood, and (3) Syria. President Obama's re-election win will not bring any changes to these three issues.

Israel Is Warned To Not Launch A Pre-Emptive Strike On Iran

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Israeli Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz, chief of general staff of defense forces, talk aboard a UH-60 helicopter and en route to Israeli defense forces installations participating in the Austere Challenge exercise, Oct. 30, 2012. Austere Challenge 2012 is a bilateral air-defense exercise between the U.S. and Israel involving more than 3,500 U.S. personnel in Israel and Europe and about 1,000 Israel defense forces members. DOD photo by D. Myles Cullen

US Warns Israel Off Pre-Emptive Strike On Iran -- The Guardian

Arab spring has left US-friendly rulers in region nervous about possible impact of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear programme.

US military commanders have warned their Israeli counterparts that any action against Iran would severely limit the ability of American forces in the region to mount their own operations against the Iranian nuclear programme by cutting off vital logistical support from Gulf Arab allies.

US naval, air and ground forces are dependent for bases, refuelling and supplies on Gulf Arab rulers who are deeply concerned about the progress Iran has made in its nuclear programme, but also about the rising challenge to their regimes posed by the Arab spring and the galvanising impact on popular unrest of an Israeli attack on Iran.

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My Comment: These warnings may be moot. Recent comments by Israel's defense minister has lessened tensions in the region and the possibility of an Israeli pre-emptive strike on Iran.

Update: Barak: Israel won't outsource its security to anyone -- Jerusalem Post

President Obama And Israeli PM Netanyahu Discuss Iran By Telephone

U.S. President Barack Obama speaks on the phone with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in the Oval Office in this September 28, 2012 White House handout photograph. REUTERS/Pete Souza/The White House/Handout

White House: Obama, Netanyahu Agree On Iran -- Voice of America

WHITE HOUSE — The White House says President Barack Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are in full agreement on wanting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The two leaders discussed the issue by telephone Friday, and the Israeli leader also was scheduled to do so with Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney.

A White House statement says the president and the prime minister spoke as part of their regular consultations, and that Obama reaffirmed his “unshakeable commitment to Israel’s security.”

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More News On Today's Discussion Between President Obama And Israeli PM Netanyahu

Obama, Netanyahu seek to get past Iran differences -- Reuters
Netanyahu Gets To Obama by Phone -- Wall Street Journal
White House: US, Israel in full agreement on stopping Iran -- Jerusalem Post

How Much Military Aid Does The U.S. Give To Israel?

Here's How Much America REALLY Spends On Israel's Defense -- Business Insider

Last week the Jerusalem Post reported that former Israeli Defense Force (IDF) Commander-in-Chief Gabi Ashkenazi told a conference that U.S. taxpayers have contributed more to the Israeli defense budget than Israeli taxpayers in the past three years.

This comment has been passed around everywhere.

Alison Weir of Veterans News Now pointed out it was the first instance of an Israeli leader saying that U.S. taxpayers contribute more money to Israel's defense budget than Israeli taxpayers.

But the claim seemed fishy to us.

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My Comment: They can sugarcoat it all that they want .... but that is still an incredible amount of military aid.

U.S. Officials: Egypt And Jordan Will Cancel Their Peace Treaties With Israel If They Launch An Attack Against Iran's Nuclear Facilities

Israeli Strike Will Unite Arabs -- The Australian/The Times

AN Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could enrage the Muslim world so much that the leaders of Egypt and Jordan would have to cancel their peace treaties with the Jewish state, US officials have warned Israel.

The Israeli daily Yedioth Aharonot, quoting a senior Israeli official, said Washington had relayed the message that Arab leaders would have to bow to popular anger if Israel carried out such a strike.

"Today the Arab leaders do not control their peoples, the streets control the leaders," the unidentified US official told his Israeli counterparts. "An Israeli strike is just what the Iranians need. The entire Arab and Muslim street will take to the streets to demonstrate."

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My Comment: The U.S. is certainly giving out the impression (through these leaks) that they are doing everything in their power to persuade Israel to not attack Iran.