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Israel's most widely read newspaper Yediot Achronot is reporting that US President Barak Obama has sent a clear message to Iran that the US does not plan on following Israel into a war if it unilaterally strikes the Islamic Republic. Through diplomatic back channels, President Obama reportedly indicated the US will not join the fighting and that it expects Iran in turn to refrain from attacking any US military bases in the Gulf. Both Israel and the US are not commenting on the report, but some analysts here say it's another move designed to warn and dissuade Israel from taking any military action to stop Iran's nuclear program. It's a move that some say sends the wrong message to Iranian leaders...

Taking the threat of a US military strike off the table -- even if Israel strikes on its own -- is a mistake according to Political Science Prof. Eytan Gilboa. Sanctions and diplomacy will only get the Iranians to stop their nuclear program, Gilboa believes, if they are coupled with the credible threat of a military attack. Israel's Prime Minister and many other officials agree with Gilboa. Jerusalem has been urging Washington for months to rachet up its rhetoric and flex its military muscle. The results have been mixed. The Obama Administration has talked about the military option, but has preferred to push for a diplomatic solution on Iran, especially with a Presidential election around the corner in November...

Many in Israel believe its time for President Obama to change course... The latest IAEA report found that Iran has more than doubled the number of centrifuges in its fortified underground FORDOW facility since May. The machines are reportedly not yet operating. Prime Minister Netanyahu brought up the IAEA report in his weekly cabinet meeting, saying it's more proof that Western-imposed sanctions are not deterring Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Netanyahu blamed the international community, saying it had failed to place what he called a clear red line in front of Iran -- a red line that would show Iran the world was determined to stop its nuclear weapons program. President Obama was not specifically mentioned, but it's no secret Netanyahu wants him to talk tougher on Iran...

Distrust between the leaders has reached a new low insiders say, despite public protests to the contrary. The Israeli newspaper report that President Obama has assured Iran he will not join in an Israeli-led war is just the latest sign of the ally's disagreements on Iran. Recent remarks by General Martin Dempsey, the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, also set off criticism in Israel. Dempsey, the head of the US military, recently suggested Washington would not be drawn into a conflict with Iran if Israel attacked, saying he did not want to be complicit if they -- meaning the Israelis -- quote "choose to do it" While Israeli officials continue to consider their options in the face of what they believe is Iran's race toward the nuclear bomb, some here still believe the US will determine the next step...

The New York Times is reporting that in response to growing criticism on his Iran policy, President Obama may take new steps to toughen his stance, include naval exercises and the placement of new anti-missile systems in the Persian Gulf. The report says he may even spell out US red lines for taking military action -- something Israelis would certainly applaud.

Jordana Miller, JN1, Jerusalem.