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Netanyahu. Won't risk hearing no
Photo: Reuters
Obama. No green light
Photo: AP

Report: Netanyahu fears US won't okay Iran strike

Israeli officials tell Washington Times Israel has not asked US for permission to strike in Iran, fearing Obama would refuse

WASHINGTON – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not asked the US for permission to strike in Iran, for fear the White House would to approve, two US officials told the Washington Times.

 

One of the officials said that Netanyahu came to the conclusion that "'it made no sense' to press the matter after the negative response President Bush gave Mr. Netanyahu's predecessor, Ehud Olmert, when he asked early last year for US aid for possible military strikes on Iran."

 

According to the Times, "At the very least, Israel likely would have to fly over Iraqi airspace, which is still effectively controlled by the US Air Force."

 

Another official told the American newspaper that Israel opted not to ask for the US's aid or approval, so as not to risk getting a negative response. "There was a decision not to press this because it was probably inadequate for the engagement policy and what we know about Obama's approach to Iran," he said.

 

US Vice President Joe Biden said Sunday that Israel is free to do whatever it deems necessary to remove the Iranian nuclear threat.

 

In an interview with ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos," Biden said "Israel can determine for itself - it's a sovereign nation - what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else.

 

On Monday the US administration has made it clear that it does not give Israel a "green light" to strike In Iran.

 

State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said, "I certainly would not want to give a green light to any kind of military action," Kelly said, repeating Biden's point that Washington considered Israel a "sovereign country" with a right to make its own military decisions.

 

"We're not going to dictate its actions," Kelly added.

 

"We're also committed to Israel's security. And we share Israel's deep concerns about Iran's nuclear program," the spokesman said.

 


פרסום ראשון: 07.07.09, 08:20
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