US criticism on possible attack serves Iran interests, Israel

Albuquerque Express Tuesday 21st February, 2012

TEL AVIV - Top Israel officials have strongly objected and conveyed to the US that its statements over an attack on Iran had "served" Tehran's interests.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and other senior officials made their displeasure known to visiting US National Security Adviser Tom Donilon, according daily Haaretz.

"Netanyahu and Barak told Donilon of their dissatisfaction," Haaretz quoted an unnamed senior Israeli official as saying.

The Israeli objection comes days after many US officials had publicly stated that Israel attacks on Iran was a remote possibility and that the military option against Tehran's alleged nuclear buildup had limited options.

Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US joint chiefs of staff in a TV interview on Sunday said: "I don't think a wise thing at this moment is for Israel to launch a military attack on Iran."

Dempsey said a strike against Iran "would be destabilizing and not prudent."

"We made it clear to Donilon that all those statements and briefings only served the Iranians," the official said.

"The Iranians see there's controversy between the US and Israel, and that the Americans object to a military act. That reduces the pressure on them."

Donilon during his trip met his Israeli counterpart Yaakov Amidror, who also heads a team of Israeli experts and intelligence agencies and coordinates the Iranian portfolio.

He also met Mossad chief Tamir Pardo, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz and Military Intelligence head Aviv Kochavi.

"All the officials told Donilon that the pressure and sanctions on Iran must be increased, especially to avoid having to use military force," said the daily.