United States Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper joins the growing list of senior American officials dispatched to Israel to pressure Jerusalem into abandoning plans for an attack against Iran. If one follows the international media, think tanks and the news in general, it does appear that an Israeli strike may be launched in the early spring.

The White House is genuinely concerned and wants to prevent an Israeli assault on Iran, a reality that would compel American involvement. America has already moved forces to the region, well aware of its need to protect its own vital interests against Iran, as well as supporting Israel which many feel will eventually do what no other nation is willing to face. Despite the media statements, the White House, Department of State and the EU community are all well-aware that Iran today is capable of launching long-range rockets that can carry a nuclear warhead over 2,000km.

The New Times is running a major article that speaks of an attack against Iran by Israel as a “huge task”, but fails to bring any new information to the public. The distance, unfriendly skies, need to refuel and much more are common knowledge, as is the fact that Israel’s air force, consisting of an estimated 250 planes, would be stretched to the limit since 100-150 planes would be required for this unprecedented bombing mission. (The Times mentions 100 planes but experts have already stated 150 is more accurate a number).

It is no secret that Israel over the past year has been conducting air force exercises simulating the 1,500km distance from Israel to Iran, and one may also safely assume the White House and possibly other staunch allies are far more involved in what is going to occur than the general public will ever know.

There are other prominent officials leading the American choir against an Israeli strike, including National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, who met with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Sunday, and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Martin E. Dempsey, who visited Israel last month, who more recently told CNN that an Israeli strike at this time would be “destabilizing”. Donilon also met today, Monday, February 20, 2012 with Defense Minister Ehud Barak in Jerusalem as well.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak is off to Washington to meet with senior Pentagon officials and Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu will follow in the coming weeks, scheduled to address the annual AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) conference and meet with President Barak Obama.

By all accounts, it is clear to all that no state leaders wishes to order an attack of the magnitude of what is involved in such a mission against Iran, but for Israel, unlike the United States operating in Afghanistan, Iraq and other areas, Iran’s threat is at Jerusalem’s back door and failure to act in a timely fashion may have existential ramifications.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)