Leon Panetta

Former Defense Secretary:

Putin's next target after Ukraine

Leon Panetta claims that Putin will attempt to invade additional countries after Ukraine, and warns the USA to begin taking steps against such a scenario.

Obama's Defense Sec. blasts Biden: 'Dangerous situation'

Former President Defense Secretary Leon Panetta strongly criticized Biden's withdrawal from Afghanistan during an interview with CNN.

'I hope US continues to focus on Hezbollah's activities'

Ex-US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta speaks with Galei Tzahal about US pullout from Syria and Hezbollah terror tunnels.

What can Leon Panetta advise President Trump?

Head of the CIA and former Secretary of Defense, talks about the most important international issues for the American administration today.

Panetta Criticizes Obama Over Failure to Act in Syria

In new book, former defense chief criticizes Obama's backtracking on action in Syria over its use of chemical weapons.

Panetta: We May Have to Use Military Force Against Iran

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense cautions the Obama administration this week about engaging in endless negotiations with Iran.

Barak, Panetta Meet at the Pentagon

Defense Minister Ehud Barak talks about Syria and Iran with Pentagon chief Leon Panetta.

Panetta, Dempsey Admit Supporting Plan to Arm Syrian Rebels

Obama's two top defense officials tell Senate they supported a plan to provide weapons to the Syrian rebels.

Egyptian Official: Sinai Will Not Be Used to Threaten Israel

US secretary of defense Leon Panetta spoke to Egyptian counterpart, who affirmed Egypt's commitment to maintaining peace treaty with Israel.

Confirmed: Panetta to Testify on Benghazi

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will testify before the Senate on Benghazi attack, in a move that may lift one obstacle to Hagel confirmation

Graham: 'I'm Going to Block Hagel Until Panetta Testifies'

Sen. Graham said he'll block Hagel’s confirmation hearings until outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta testifies on Benghazi attacks.

End to US Miliary Ban on Women in Combat

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has lifted the official military ban on women in combat.

Panetta: US Has to 'Fight Back' Against Al Qaeda After Attack

America has "got to fight back," Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Monday, referring to terrorist attack in Algeria.

US Asks Turkey, Jordan to Oversee Syria’s Chemical Weapons

The United States has quietly asked Turkey and Jordan to keep an eye on Syria’s chemical weaponry, and possibly step in to manage them.

Panetta: U.S. Focused on Securing Syrian Chemical Weapons

The U.S. is increasingly focused on how to secure Syria's chemical weapons if Assad falls from power, says Defense Secretary.

Obama Touts Hagel as 'Patriot', 'Doing Extraordinary Work'

President Obama defended former Sen. Chuck Hagel's record on Sunday, rebuffing attacks on the potential nominee for defense secretary.

Sen. Lieberman: ‘Serious Questions’ on Possible Hagel Nomination

Sen. Lieberman joined in the chorus of opposition to potential appointment of former Sen. Hagel as Secretary of Defense.

Panetta: Assad May be Considering Using Chemical Weapons

The U.S. has intelligence that causes "serious concerns" that Assad will use chemical weapons on rebels, says Panetta.

Panetta to Barak: Israel Has the Right to Defend Itself

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta speaks to Defense Minister Ehud Barak, reaffirms that Israel has the right to defend itself.

Pentagon: Libya Rumor 'Absolutely False'

US military officials denied claims that head of US Africa Command Gen. Carter Ham may have been fired due to response over Benghazi attack.

Panetta: No Reliable Intelligence During Benghazi Attack

Panetta: U.S. military leaders ruled out sending in forces during the attack in Benghazi because of a lack of reliable intelligence.

U.S. Preparing For More Soft War With Iran

U.S. to beef up cyber security, concerned about possible Iranian computer viruses.

Pentagon to Beef Up Cyber Security

U.S. authorities are holding that Iranian-based hackers were responsible for recent cyber attacks.

Panetta: Syria Has Moved Some Chemical Weapons

Panetta: The Syrian regime has moved some chemical weapons but the main storage sites for remain secure.

Panetta: No Plans to Bolster Forces in Middle East

U.S. military has no major plans to bolster its forces in the Middle East despite violent protests targeting diplomatic outposts.

Report: US Positioning Forces in as Many as 18 Locations

The U.S. military is positioning troops in as many as 18 locations in the Middle East that the Pentagon is “paying particular attention to.”

Panetta: Red Lines Are Political Arguments

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta sides with Obama, reject Israel's demand of "red lines" for Iran.

Panetta: US Will Have One Year to Stop Iran if it Builds Nukes

U.S. will have about a year to respond to Iran should the regime decide to build a nuclear weapon, said US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

US ‘Responds’ to Iran with Second Warship in Gulf

“When the world calls, we have to respond,” says US defense chief Panetta as the second American aircraft carrier heads for the Gulf.

US ‘Assures Israel’ By Helping Egypt Combat Sinai Terror

The US is offering Egypt intelligence systems to help it combat terror in the Sinai and to “assure Israel” as Morsi warms up to Iran.

Dempsey, Panetta Play Down Israeli Strike in Iran

General Dempsey says an Israeli strike won't destroy Iran's nukes, as Panetta says he believes Israel hasn't yet decided to attack.

Panetta’s Visit Sealed F-35 War Plane Sale to Israel

The Pentagon approved Israeli electronic warfare equipment for the F-35 stealth fighter jet, whose wings will be built by Israel.

Panetta to Netanyahu: We Won't Let Iran Acquire Nukes

US Secy of Defense Leon Panetta assured Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu America will block Iran from “ever acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

Barak Tells Panetta Israel Will Decide on Iran

Defense Minister Ehud Barak has informed US Defense Secy Leon Panetta that Israel will make its own decisions on how to deal with Iran.

Panetta’s Visit Angers Israeli Motorists

Panetta tried to calm Israeli leaders, but his motorcade infuriated motorists, stuck on roads turned into Israel’s largest parking lots.

Egyptian President to Israel: 'Let's Get Back on Track'

Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi writes his first letter to his Israeli counterpart, responding to one sent by President Shimon Peres.

Panetta Begins ‘Don’t Worry' Trip in Middle East

Panetta flies to Israel this week after starting a trip in Tunisia with optimism: Assad will fall; US and Israel have “great cooperation.”

Panetta to Visit Egypt and Israel Next Week

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will meet Egypt's new President Mohammed Morsi and also stop for a visit in Israel.

Peres to Panetta: Iran Striving for Islamic Middle East Empire

The world must not let Iran take control of the Middle East, Peres told U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta Monday. “Iran is lying.”

Panetta Defends Drone Strikes in Pakistan

US Secretary of Defense says drone strikes in Pakistan won't be halted despite Islamabad's protests

Barak Tells Visiting Senators ‘Deceiving Iran’ Drags its Feet

Iran is trying to deceive the world while dragging its feet, Defense Minister Ehud Barak told visiting U.S. Senators Monday.

U.S. Approves $70 Million in Iron Dome Aid

Defense Minister Ehud Barak meets U.S. counterpart in Washington, says defense relations were never stronger

Panetta: Al-Qaeda Active In Syria

US secretary of defense Leon Panetta says intelligence indicates Al-Qaeda is targeting the Syrian regime

CIA Memo Reveals Admiral, Not Obama, In Charge of Bin Laden Raid

The memo, written by Leon Panetta noted that, "the timing, operational decision making and control are in Admiral McRaven's hands."

Panetta: I Hope Gantz is Correct on Iran

U.S. Secretary of Defense Panetta says he hopes statements from Israel's military chief on Iran's leadership are “correct.”

Panetta Honors Holocaust Victims at the Pentagon

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, attend ceremony in honor of Yom Hashoah at the Pentagon.

Panetta Seeks to Defuse Afghan Tensions

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta made a personal appearance in Afghanistan to ease tensions after a US soldier murdered 16.

Panetta: U.S. Preparing Options for Strike on Iran

Panetta confirms the Pentagon is preparing options for striking Iran, says an American attack would be more effective than an Israeli one.

Panetta on Iran: 'We Will Act If We Have To'

US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta told AIPAC the US would use military force to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Barak, Panetta Hold 'Useful' Meeting in Washington

Defense Minister Ehud Barak and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta meet in Washington, talk about Iran.

Panetta: Israel Hasn't Decided Yet on Iran Strike

U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he doesn't think Israel has made a decision to launch a military strike on Iran.

Obama’s Super Bowl Interview an Indicator of Policy on Iran?

With regards to Israel and Iran, is ambiguity the policy in the United States?

U.S. Worries Israel is about to Strike Iran – Washington Post

Post's Ignatius: Netanyahu doesn’t want to leave the fate of Israel dependent on American action.

Panetta: Iran Could Develop a Nuclear Bomb Within a Year

U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta: Iran could develop a nuclear bomb within a year, but the U.S. will do anything to stop it.

Panetta: We Have Some Ideas Who Was Behind Iran Killing

U.S. Defense Secretary: We have “some ideas” as to who was behind the assassination of a nuclear scientist in Tehran.

US Officials 'Shocked' by Corpse Desecration Tape

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta condemned a video of US marines relieving themselves on dead Taliban fighters, vowed to take action.

Panetta: Iran Strike Could Impact World Economy

U.S. Defense Secretary ahead of meeting with Defense Minister Ehud Barak: An attack on Iran could impact world economy.

Panetta: Strike on Iran Could Have Unintended Consequences

U.S. Defense Secretary warns that military action against Iran could have unintended consequences, says it should be last resort.

Cairo Demands Israel Free 81 Prisoners in Swap for Ilan Grapel

Cairo is demanding that Israel free 81 Egyptian prisoners in exchange for the freedom of Ilan Grapel, a dual national accused of "spying."

Panetta in Jerusalem: U.S. is Committed to Israel's Security

PM Netanyahu meets with United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta in Jerusalem.