Speaking in Washington with Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Defense Minister Ehud Barak stressed that Iran is not only Israel’s enemy, but an enemy of the United States and Western nations too, seeking to attack American interests in the region.

Earlier in the day, a State Department spokesman P.J. Crosley released a message indicating the administration would not be pushing for such sanctions, seemingly adopting a position in line with the Russians. “It is not our intent to have crippling sanctions”, indicating American opposes such a move which may negatively impact the Iranian people.

Earlier in the week, Barak met with UN Secretary-General Bank ki-Moon, warning that a nuclear Iran would shift the area’s balance of power. The UN leader agreed with Barak and supports Israel’s position.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)