Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta reaffirms the United States’ commitment to Israel while discussing Middle East issues during a speech at the Saban Forum at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, D.C., Dec. 2, 2011. The forum is an annual event that brings together U.S. and Israeli policy makers to discuss regional defense issues. DOD photo by R. D. Ward
Panetta Chides Israel Over Stalled Peace Process -- Washington Post
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta prodded Israel on Friday to do more to reverse its deepening isolation in the Middle East, and suggested that Israeli leaders bear significant blame for a stalled peace process that he said “has been effectively put on hold.”
Panetta’s admonishment came in a speech in which he also pledged an “unshakable” commitment to the security of the Jewish state and reiterated a promise to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons — including by military force, if needed. He said the Defense Department had contingency plans for a “wide range of military options, should they become necessary.”
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More On US Defense Secretary Panetta's Remarks On Israel
Panetta to Israel: ‘Get to the Damn Table’ for Peace Talks -- Voice of America
Panetta tells Israel, Palestinians to ‘get to the damn table’ -- JTA
US Defense Secretary Blames the Victim -- Jerusalem Post
Panetta’s antagonistic speech on Israel -- Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post
My Comment: I guess the Obama administration has given up on the Israeli - Jewish vote. The transcript of Leon Panetta's speech can be read here.