U.S. CONGRESSMAN JOHN C. FLEMING, M.D.

Washington, Feb 3, 2012 -

Congressman John Fleming, M.D., (LA-4) released the following statement in response to a published report that Defense Secretary Leon Panetta “believes there is a strong likelihood that Israel will strike Iran in April, May or June”:

“The Obama administration’s policy of being tough with our friend Israel, while timidly tolerating Iran’s saber-rattling has only put Israel in a more precarious situation. Secretary Panetta appears to be taking a shot across Israel’s bow at exactly the time he should be reaffirming to the world that we have Israel’s back. This latest report renews concerns over why the president has engaged in a consistent pattern of constantly warning Israel, while showing an ineffective and weak response to the growing threat posed by Iran.”

Dr. John Fleming is Chairman of the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, Oceans and Insular Affairs and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He is a physician and small businessowner and represents the 4th Congressional District of Louisiana.