Did Obama Administration Sabotage Israel’s Defense?

RJC Faults Administration for Leaking Sensitive Iran Information against Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC)

Contact: Shari Hillman   [email protected]

202-638-6688

Washington, D.C. (March 30, 2012) — The RJC released the following statement today:

The Republican Jewish Coalition is deeply troubled by press reports that indicate the Obama administration leaked highly sensitive information in an effort to hinder Israel’s ability to defend herself against Iran’s development of nuclear weapons.

RJC Executive Director Matt Brooks said, “It is clear from recent press reports that the Obama administration has moved from quiet diplomacy to lightly-veiled attacks in the media to prevent the Israelis from taking action against Iran’s growing nuclear capabilities.

“The administration’s willingness to reveal sensitive U.S. intelligence about Iran and to sabotage Israel’s relationship with another country, all in an attempt to limit Israel’s options with regard to Iran, is deeply, deeply troubling. If President Obama really had Israel’s back, why is his administration leaking like this? These are not the actions of a friend of Israel, nor of a responsible and thoughtful U.S. administration.

“Israel, the U.S. and the West face a deadly serious threat from Iran. Every form of pressure should be brought to bear against Iran’s effort to acquire nuclear weapons. That includes the credible possibility of military action, by the United States or by Israel. President Obama promised that all options remain on the table, but his administration is working very hard to take the option of military action – and the deterrent of a credible threat of military action – off the table. That does not benefit the U.S. or Israel, only Iran.”

Background:

Yesterday, a lengthy report in Foreign Policy magazine (1) claimed that Israel has been granted access to airbases in Azerbaijan, on Iran’s northern border, which would make it easier for Israel to stage an attack on Iranian nuclear facilities.

And today, the Christian Science Monitor published a story headlined, “Did US just torpedo Israeli deal for a base in Azerbaijan?” (2)

1. http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/03/28/israel_s_secret_staging_ground

(2) http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2012/0329/Attacking-Iran-Did-US-just-torpedo-Israeli-deal-for-a-base-in-Azerbaijan

This statement appears on the RJC web site at:

http://rjchq.org/Newsroom/newsdetail.aspx?id=2d6cacdb-e7c1-4fcc-b3d7-6e1d2f7e136c

The RJC is the national grassroots organization of Jewish Republicans.

Learn more at our web site, www.RJCHQ.org.