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Concerns Mount That Israel Is Losing Patience on Iran Plan

As the Obama administration doubles down on sanctions, some in Washington worry that Israel is running out of patience with the US, writes Laura Rozen. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and other officials urge patience to see if tough new economic sanctions bring about a diplomatic resolution.
U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak (front, R) greet Israeli soldiers after a joint news conference during a visit to the Iron Dome defense system launch site in Ashkelon August 1, 2012. Israel told Panetta on Wednesday that time was running out for a peaceful settlement to the nuclear dispute with Iran because sanctions and tough talk over possible military action were failing to sway Tehran. The Iron Dome was designed to intercept and destroy short-range shells and

As the Obama administration doubles down on sanctions, concerns are mounting in Washington that Israel is running out of patience with the US approach and may move to strike Iran in the fall.

The White House announced new Iran sanctions Tuesday and Congress neared agreement on new sanctions legislation. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta traveled to Jerusalem — one of a parade of administration officials seeking to reassure the Israeli leadership that there is still time to curb Iran’s nuclear program short of taking military action.

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