Visiting chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen told reporters in Israel on Sunday that America would like to see the Iranian crisis end without violence, stressing America’s seriousness towards imposing crippling sanctions intended to bring Iran to its knees, to compel adherence to demands from the international community.

Speaking during a press conference from the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Admiral Mullen stated that while the military option remains viable, “we are not there yet” and the sanctions must be played out. He cautioned that even if America were to launch a strike, such an offensive may have ‘unintended consequences” throughout the “volatile” Mideast.

When asked the obvious question, if the White House would prevent an Israeli assault against Iran, the admiral stated America remains committed to the safety and security of Israel and Israel remains committed to US policy regarding Iran.

Later in the day, Admiral Mullen met with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gabi Ashkenazi, discussing an array of issues, including Iran and Syria.

Speaking with Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) on Monday morning, Minister (Labor) Binyamin Ben-Eliezer, a retired IDF brigadier-general and former minister of defense responded to a number of questions regarding Iran.

Ben-Eliezer explained America and the world must know that a nuclear Iran will result in a new Mideast, which means America will lose control here. The Arab states including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are afraid, even more so than Israel.

He told Galei Tzahal that this is unlike diplomatic concerns regarding the PA and Syria, because regarding Iran, the threat is an existential one. The world must be made to understand that an attack by a nuclear Iran is not just an attack against Israel, but against the entire world. “With every passing day he takes additional steps forward and he must be stopped before it is too late”.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)