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IDF Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi (Daniel Bar-On / JINI, archives)
Last update - 00:00 24/07/2008
Ashkenazi in U.S.: All options are on the table regarding Iran
By Haaretz service and Reuters

Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, on his first official visit to Washington, warned Thursday that Israel would not rule out any course of action regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel Radio reported.

"We are all united in the view that Iran needs to be prevented from obtaining a nuclear weapon. There is no doubt that diplomatic activity and sanctions are preferable, but we all understand - we and the Americans - that we need to prepare all options," the radio report quoted Ashkenazi stating after meeting with senior United States officials.

Western nations accuse Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of its civil nuclear program. Iran denies that, saying its atomic program is to generate power so it can export more of its valuable oil and gas.
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On the first day of his trip Wednesday, the IDF chief warned that it was crucial to block what he called "Iranian aggression" in the Middle East.

"We are are witnessing, I believe, a paradigmatic change in the Middle East in which radical countries and elements are trying to [install] a new order to replace the traditional national, secular one that exists today," Ashkenazi said in a brief speech at the Israeli Embassy.

Israel and Washington accuse Iran of fomenting violence in Iraq and of supplying arms to Palestinian militants and to Lebanon's Hezbollah, which the United States regards as a terrorist organization.

"At the center of this radical axis is Iran, who seeks to achieve its regional aspiration of hegemony by upsetting the existing balance of power," Ashkenazi told the embassy, accusing Iran of backing "terror organizations and radical groups" and of pursuing nuclear arms "to project power within the region and beyond."

"I believe it is therefore crucial that we block Iranian aggression, which [may] in turn weaken the radicalization process in the region presently being manifested in such places as Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon and in the Palestinian territories," he added.

Ashkenazi made no reference to speculation about the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel carried out an air strike last year on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor.

The IDF chief met with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney on Wednesday, as well as senior congressmen and John Negroponte, the deputy secretary of state. On Thursday he was set to meet with his counterpart at the Pentagon, Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Michael Mullen.

Meanwhile, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama pledged to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Wednesday that if elected, he will coordinate his policy on Iran with Israel.

Senior U.S. officials, while saying they never take any option off the table - code for the possibility of a military strike - have played down speculation about a U.S. military strike against Iran over its nuclear program.

But speculation that Israel could bomb Iranian nuclear installations has grown since it reportedly carried out a large-scale air force drill over the Mediterranean last month that was widely seen as a "dress rehearsal" for a possible raid on Iran.

The United States is pursuing a diplomatic path to try to persuade Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program, a process that can produce fuel for power plants or, if greatly refined, for nuclear weapons.

So far, neither Western offers of economic incentives nor three UN Security Council sanctions resolutions have convinced Iran to suspend uranium enrichment.

U.S. officials have said repeatedly they are focused on the diplomatic track and, along with other permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany, have given Iran two weeks to respond to a fresh offer of incentives from the so-called P5+1 group if it suspends uranium enrichment.

Ashkenazi's schedule on Wednesday included meetings with U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, White House national security adviser Stephen Hadley, Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and key members of Congress. On Thursday, he is to meet Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

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      1.   Iran`s "New Order" in the ME 08:11  |  Nora 24/07/08
      2.   Saber rattling: refuge & pretext for Apartheid and Occupation 08:19  |  Ivar 24/07/08
      3.   "We must block Iranian aggression" 09:14  |  Akram Zekaria 24/07/08
      4.   Upsetting the existing balance of power 09:31  |  Guy From NYC 24/07/08
      5.   Bush has taken the "attack Iran" option off the table 09:32  |  Natallie Durson 24/07/08
      6.   Three words from Sussex to Ashkenazi 09:54  |  Clickfool 24/07/08
      7.   A game of chess between allies - let`s hope Israel wins! 10:09  |  Ivor Dwatt 24/07/08
      8.   The New Order in ME will be Fundamentalist 10:29  |  Nora 24/07/08
      9.   OT: Interesting story for Zionists who sneer at UK Marines 10:34  |  Clickfool 24/07/08
      10.   Re the guy from Sussex #2 11:30  |  Esther 24/07/08
      11.   Clickfool 11:32  |  Joe 24/07/08
      12.   It is over Israel, America has decided 11:32  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      13.   For Iran,"negotiation" and "compromise" are euphemisms for... 12:13  |  Jean Van Daem 24/07/08
      14.   Persia will rise from the ashes of Islam 12:13  |  Jon 24/07/08
      15.   Don`t you wish you had the grit of a Marine Clickfool 12:18  |  Ramius 24/07/08
      16.   Israel vs US Economy 12:26  |  Persian Hero 24/07/08
      17.   Mark B. - Israel doesn`t take orders, we do what 12:49  |  Ben 24/07/08
      18.   Which "all options" ?! 12:53  |  Robin 24/07/08
      19.   Clickfool 13:11  |  Ehud 24/07/08
      20.   #7 Mark B. that is unworthy of you. 13:23  |  Margie in Tel Aviv 24/07/08
      21.   Iran to Ashkenazi: Retaliation options will perforate your a$$ 14:09  |  Aounist 24/07/08
      22.   #1 More Duhrson Drivel 14:32  |  Bill Foonman 24/07/08
      23.   Clickfool 15:01  |  Yosemite 24/07/08
      24.   Iran`s Menace in the region and the world 15:23  |  Brod 24/07/08
      25.   The unabashed arrogance of some people who think 15:31  |  The Equalizer 24/07/08
      26.   CFOOL An interesting story for hero worshippers of Hamas 15:40  |  PETER SM 24/07/08
      27.   MARK B.Has the USA decided to allow Iran to develop nukes? 15:44  |  PETER SM 24/07/08
      28.   All Dogs Can Bark In Their Own Yard. 15:48  |  Cool B 24/07/08
      29.   Curping Extermism 15:51  |  Sam 24/07/08
      30.   #16 BF`s unmitigated gall 15:58  |  Keith T. 24/07/08
      31.   Ashkenazi in U.S 16:01  |  Fred 24/07/08
      32.   Ashkenazi in U.S. or Chickie Licky the sky in falling 16:05  |  Fred Morrison 24/07/08
      33.   Obama will strike Iran 16:09  |  arik 24/07/2008
      34.   Clickfool # 5. 16:16  |  David Nigel Braham 24/07/08
      35.   For Ramius # 11 16:17  |  Clickfool 24/07/08
      36.   Ashkenazi is a war criminal! Arrest him! 16:18  |  kaled 24/07/08
      37.   COOLB You must have missed taking out Sadaams reactor 16:39  |  PETER SM 24/07/08
      38.   "Iranian aggression" in the Middle East 16:40  |  Tranquilizer 24/07/08
      39.   MARK B Where is Ashkenazi asking for permission? 16:41  |  PETER SM 24/07/08
      40.   Balance of Power 17:08  |  ManintheMiddle 24/07/08
      41.   Tranquilizer, you`re on drugs! 17:12  |  Martin 24/07/08
      42.   #37 Peter Sam 17:14  |  Cool B 24/07/08
      43.   YOU Israelis have started it all, so deal with it 17:23  |  mehmet 24/07/08
      44.   Mehment - are you smoking nargillah? 17:53  |  Jewboy 24/07/08
      45.   millions of iranians will be vapourised unless... 18:04  |  frenz 24/07/08
      46.   Mehmet # 43. 18:06  |  David Nigel Braham 24/07/08
      47.   @17 Ben 18:13  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      48.   Well Margie, that is fast 18:14  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      49.   #39 PETER SM and others 18:17  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      50.   #39 PETER SM and others 18:17  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      51.   #1 Nora, I`m sorry to say it, but ... 18:37  |  Edith 24/07/08
      52.   Clickfool 18:41  |  Marco 24/07/08
      53.   Comical Ali`s everywhere 18:43  |  ScotGuy 24/07/08
      54.   #46, That not gonna happen! 18:46  |  Persian Hero 24/07/08
      55.   #46, That not gonna happen! 18:46  |  Persian Hero 24/07/08
      56.   # 12 Mark B., I hope you are right 18:47  |  Edith 24/07/08
      57.   Iran should sue at the International Court of Justice,israel, 18:54  |  lakshmi 24/07/08
      58.   One unsneering Zionist (Clickfool, #9) 18:55  |  Morris Valentine 24/07/08
      59.   Mehmet - Israel did not start it Arabs did 18:58  |  David Israel 24/07/08
      60.   well David Nigel Braham, this is precisely the other side says 19:17  |  mehmet 24/07/08
      61.   Hysterical Propaganda From Dishonest War Pimp 19:26  |  Gray 24/07/08
      62.   Mehmet # 60. 19:36  |  David Nigel Braham 24/07/08
      63.   Mehmet - you like to put words oin others mouth 19:36  |  David Israel 24/07/08
      64.   NOT THIS TIME 20:01  |  ROGER 24/07/08
      65.   Grey #61. 20:19  |  David Nigel Braham 24/07/08
      66.   Let`s hear Lakshmi`s comments on US/India nuke power pact 20:25  |  Voice of Reason 24/07/08
      67.   58 Morris Valentine,a jewish homeland,not an israeli state! 21:08  |  lakshmi 24/07/08
      68.   All options are always on the table, including 21:11  |  Iranian-American 24/07/08
      69.   21 Aounist,66 Voice of Reason,Aounist ,Iran should stop fooling 21:16  |  lakshmi 24/07/08
      70.   For Marco, on "Sex and Travel" # 52 21:20  |  Clickfool 24/07/08
      71.   # 9 Clickfool You Forgot To mention/Remember 21:29  |  KATHY 24/07/08
      72.   Stop talking and prepare the homefront and the I.D.F. 21:31  |  one dissenting citiz 24/07/08
      73.   David Nigal B.; Still Fighting for Israel 21:37  |  Gray 24/07/08
      74.   Roger from Houston 21:39  |  Sam C 24/07/08
      75.   # 65 David Nigel Braham ..Gray has Gone Beyond Decency. 21:42  |  KATHY 24/07/08
      76.   # 58 MV re:Clicklfool.I sent him a response.. 21:48  |  KATHY 24/07/08
      77.   Stop the lies and PR 21:54  |  Jason 24/07/08
      78.   #64, Roger, WRONG 22:08  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 24/07/08
      79.   #36 kaled - You need to stop smoking that dope.... 22:20  |  awesome 24/07/08
      80.   David Nigel B. About Gray`s coments 22:20  |  David Israel 24/07/08
      81.   # 69 lakshmi The War Hog..And denier of Truth. 22:28  |  KATHY 24/07/08
      82.   Iran: the decisions will be made by those with authrity 22:33  |  Cipora Julianna Kohn 24/07/08
      83.   If Israeli leaders touch Iran they better pack up and go... 22:38  |  Dutch 24/07/08
      84.   Time for big boys to play with their big toys 23:08  |  Harold 24/07/08
      85.   Sam C; Proof Again 23:08  |  Gray 24/07/08
      86.   To Lakshmi (#67) 23:15  |  Morris Valentine 24/07/08
      87.   #30 Unmitigated Gall... 23:25  |  Bill Foonman 24/07/08
      88.   kATHY how about the racist habit calling Iranians APES 23:33  |  Mark B. 24/07/08
      89.   Jason 77 - are u nuts? 00:20  |  ChanahS 25/07/08
      90.   #3 "We must block Iranian aggression" 00:24  |  Chet 25/07/08
      91.   To Ivar from Estonia 00:26  |  sam 25/07/08
      92.   # 64 Roger..Shhh,Stop this is not shouting zone.Calm down and be 00:43  |  KATHY 25/07/08
      93.   # 64 ROGER..Do The Following.. 00:58  |  anonymous 25/07/08
      94.   israel is chicken chicken chicken 01:18  |  jc 25/07/08
      95.   # 77 Jason..We Are Very Bad At PR..Sorry 01:22  |  anonymous 25/07/08
      96.   Roger; Suicide for Israel, Disaster For The World 01:30  |  Gray 25/07/08
      97.   # 73 Gray What Does Hasbara Mean? can You explain To Me? 01:48  |  anonymous 25/07/08
      98.   77# Jason. After so many wars waged against Israel 01:53  |  Akram Zekaria 25/07/08
      99.   # 57 lakshmat ..You Are A Warmonger..And.. 02:06  |  anonymous 25/07/08
      100.   Jason: Your Right; Re: Israeli/AIPAC Push For War 02:11  |  Gray 25/07/08
      101.   COOL B actually Hezballah attacked Israel.They kept 02:19  |  PETER SM 25/07/08
      102.   CFOOL.Who threw the grenade that wounded the marine? 02:21  |  PETER SM 25/07/08
      103.   #19, EHUD, contradicts himself 02:59  |  VIPER 25/07/08
      104.   # 68 Iranian-American.Why not An Americanwithout the Iranianpart 03:15  |  anonymous 25/07/08
      105.   Huffing and puffing 03:25  |  Hannah 25/07/08
      106.   79 chanah S,Jason is right and never mind israel`s size 03:47  |  lakshmi 25/07/08
      107.   GRAY Even Obama says he does not want Iran with nukes 04:04  |  PETER SM 25/07/08
      108.   #25 Equalizer 04:42  |  ballistic 25/07/08
      109.   #27 Peter SM 04:44  |  ballistic 25/07/08
      110.   #33 Arik 04:46  |  ballistic 25/07/08
      111.   Tranquilizer 04:49  |  ballistic 25/07/08
      112.   ChanahS 79, gimmie a break 04:50  |  Jason 25/07/08
      113.   Iran is Looking for Allies 05:11  |  Bernie 25/07/08
      114.   THAT`S RIGHT ALL THE OPTIONS ARE ON THE TABLE REGARDING IRAN AND 05:16  |  glenna 25/07/08
      115.   ChanahS 79 + Akram 88 05:17  |  Jason 25/07/08
      116.   Gray, I think the Problem is Religious 05:21  |  Bernie 25/07/08
      117.   Fred Morrision 05:36  |  dano 25/07/08
      118.   Hello anonymous: Re: Your "Hasbara" question 06:33  |  Gray 25/07/08
      119.   Jason`d responsibility 06:42  |  SG 25/07/08
      120.   Who authorized Ashekenazi 06:51  |  Otto Rand 25/07/08
      121.   For Peter SM # 102 09:52  |  Clickfool 25/07/08
      122.   115# Jason : I only blame you for your ignorance! 10:59  |  Akram Zekaria 25/07/08
      123.   David Israel # 63 you mix apples and oranges 17:52  |  American in NY 25/07/08
      124.   Why shouldn`t Iran have Nukes 18:11  |  Pedro 25/07/08
      125.   Nervous 18:49  |  Deb 25/07/08
      126.   Unamerian somewhere around Lake Ontario 19:50  |  David Isarel 25/07/08
      127.   Deb #125, American Zionism is the Problem 21:00  |  Jason 25/07/08
      128.   Jason antiSemitic 00:58  |  Deb 26/07/08
      129.   #128 Deb, OK, I just got what you mean by anti-semitic 05:01  |  Jason 26/07/08
      130.   lo siento 16:32  |  Di 26/07/08
      131.   Deb You are an Anti-American Semite 02:43  |  American in NY 27/07/08
      132.   david Israel anti- American Jew from turkey in NYC 03:16  |  American in NY 27/07/08
      133.   Unamerican somewhere around lake Ontario 05:08  |  David Israel 27/07/08
      134.   David Israel- the Turkish JEW, or whatever you are 03:15  |  American in NY 30/07/08
      135.   David Israel Turkish Israeli 03:15  |  American in NY 30/07/08
      136.   Mr Obama got it right - nearly 19:15  |  Morris Valentine 30/07/08
      137.   Who is talking about what? 03:52  |  Ibrahim 02/01/09
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