The American-Israeli dispute over a military strike
against Iran erupted during Bush's visit to Jerusalem in May. At the
time, Bush held a private meeting on the Iranian threat with Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and the Israelis
presented their request for certain specific items of military
equipment, along with diplomatic and security backing.
Following Bush's return to Washington, the administration studied
Israel's request, and this led it to suspect that Israel was planning
to attack Iran within the next few months. The Americans therefore
decided to send a strong message warning it not to do so.
