Saturday, February 04, 2012

War of Words Begins

Ya'alon spreads paranoia in Iran's nuclear program by implying that Israel has penetrated their nuclear staff.  If true, bunker bombs are less necessary.

Ya'alon: All of Iran's Nuke Faculties Are Vulnerable - Barak Ravid

All of Iran's nuclear facilities are vulnerable to a military strike, Israeli Vice Prime Minister and Strategic Affairs Minister Moshe Ya'alon [pictured] said.

"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."
(Ha'aretz)
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Panetta could have betrayed Israel's confidence by exposing their plans...or he could be entering the new War of Words with information...or disinformation.

Panetta believes Israel will strike Iran soon -Yitzhak Benhorin

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta [pictured] believes that Israel is likely to strike Iran in the coming months, Washington Post columnist David Ignatius said.

"Panetta believes there is strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June – before Iran enters what Israelis described as a “zone of immunity” to commence building a nuclear bomb," Ignatius wrote.

Asked by journalists whether he disputes the report, Panetta said, "No, I'm just not commenting."

The Israeli scenario, according to Ignatius, is a five day limited offensive, followed by a UN-brokered ceasefire. The relatively light damage that is expected to be inflicted on Iranian nuclear facilities will require Israel to stage another offensive a few years down the line.
[Ynet News]
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3 comments:

LHwrites said...

I do not think Panetta gave anything away. i think he is engaging a war of pressure by saying what everyone believes in the hope it will not be necessary---especially because it is no longer clear this kind of attack will reach a buried and fortified installation and because Russia and China are big unknowns. I think they are trying to fuel paranoia by making it seem an attack is inevitable and that Iran will be weakened by the financial embargo to deal effectively with it, even if it does not take out all their capabilities. This is a bad situation, much different than in decades past because things are different in the world. It would be best if diplomacy and policy can accomplish the needs here as a risky game of support could ensue in a military engagement that could entangle all the world powers for a prolonged period. Russia is not the financially cowed nation it was in the 80's and China is not the antiquated nation it was through the 90's.

Bruce said...

It will take over a decade before anyone writes about what really is happening behind the scenes. I hope you're right.

One commentator said that when you hear nothing from Israel, that's when it's close.

LHwrites said...

i would believe that commentator.