Gen. Dempsey: Israel could delay, not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities

Gen. Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday: I am not privy to [israel’s] planning. So what I’m telling you is based on what I know of their capabilities. And I may not know about all of their capabilities. But I think it’s fair… to say they could delay but not destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”
US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, who appeared at same news conference, said “… I don’t believe Israel has made a decision as to whether or not they will go in and attack Iran at this time.” He added, “Obviously, they’re an independent, sovereign country. They’ll ultimately make decisions based on what they think is their national security interest.”  He added that there is still room to negotiate as the additional sanctions are beginning to have impact.