Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

CIA Chief Warned Israel Against Attacking Iran

Panetta told that Israel won't bomb Iran without first alerting Washington

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 15, 2009 5:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – CIA director Leon Panetta was sent on a secret mission to Israel earlier this month to warn the country's leaders against launching a surprise attack against Iran, the Times of London reports. Panetta asked for—and received—assurances from Israel's hawkish new government  that the country would not bomb Iranian nuclear facilities without alerting the US.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Panetta that Israel "did not intend to surprise the US on Iran." Netanyahu will visit Washington this weekend, and he is expected to try to persuade President Obama and Hillary Clinton to take a harder line against Iran, and focus on the Iranian issue instead of talks with the Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue of Iran with Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's visit to Israel this week.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the issue of Iran with Pope Benedict XVI during the pontiff's visit to Israel this week.   (AP Photo/ GPO, Moshe Milner, HO)
CIA Director Leon Panetta  visited Israel for secret talks with the country's new government earlier this month.
CIA Director Leon Panetta visited Israel for secret talks with the country's new government earlier this month.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on the Iranian issue when he visits Washington this weekend for talks with the president.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to focus on the Iranian issue when he visits Washington this weekend for talks with the president.   (AP Photo/Ammar Awad, Pool)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Madonna Fans in Israel: Don't Bomb Iran Before Show

Israel, Iran Terrorists Are Killing Scientists: Officials

Obama: Israel Not Sure About Bombing Iran

Israel Warns Jewish Targets Around World of Iran Threat

US Fears Israel Will Hit Iran Without Warning


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne