Israeli PM in favor of attack on Iran

JERUSALEM, Aug. 10 (UPI) —

Israel’s prime minister and defense minister have called for an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities in the fall, despite protests from other officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak are advocating for a strike on Iran’s nuclear program before the U.S. presidential election in November, regardless of objections from military and state officials, Ynetnews reported.

"Not a single state official or military official or even the president — supports an Israeli attack in Iran," Yedioth Ahronoth senior commentators Nahum Barnea and Shimon Shiffer said Friday.

Barnea and Shiffer said the prime minister’s office is aware that an Israeli strike on Iran may embarrass U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration and strengthen his Republican opponent, Mitt Romney.

"In America, many, including government officials, are convinced that the military action that Netanyahu and Barack are promoting is set to cause one thing — force America into a war with Iran against its will. Israel will need the Americans’ help," Barnea and Shiffer said.

Barak has responded to the criticism by arguing that Isreal "will not be destroyed" by any response by Iran. He also said anyone against an Israeli attack on Iran is free to resign.