Dempsey heads to Israel to discuss Iran

General Martin Dempsey, chairman of the US Joint Chief of Staff, is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Thursday for talks with Israeli officials, in an attempt to coordinate with Israel on the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities, and to determine Israel's intentions with regard to a possible attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. Israeli paper Haaretz reported, Sunday, that Dempsey is to meet with Defense Minister Ehud Barak, Chief of Staff General Benny Gantz, and other senior defense and intelligence officials, in addition to meeting Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Haartez added that the visit, which aims to coordinate with Israel on the Iran issue, followed a visit to Israel by U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, two months ago, where Netanyahu and Barak had refused to vow against attacking Iran without first coordinating with the United States. Ahead of Dempsey's visit, the Wall Street Journal published statements by senior American officers who said the United States' concerns regarding a possible Israeli attack on Iran were increasing, which justifies the US increased preparations for the possible. They also said the United States has refreshed plans for defending American installations in the Middle East in the event of a retaliation by Iran. Haaretz added that according to the Wall Street Journal, both U.S. President Barack Obama and Panetta have conveyed messages through quiet channels to senior Israeli officials regarding the serious implications of an Israeli attack on Iran. They also reportedly told Israel it should allow more time for International Community sanctions on Iran to take effect. Dempsey's visit to Israel comes against the backdrop of increased tension over Iranian threats to close the Straits of Hormuz, which would compromise oil shipments to the West, and counter US threats to Iran for owning nuclear weapons.