My bet is that Pannetta had the op on the way before Obama even heard of it (and Jarrett had a chance to nix it). Obama had given some sort of blanket 'if you get the opportunity, take it' approval in the past. THey got the intel, they rolled, and then informed him when it was pretty much a done deal, keeping Jarrett out of the loop.
About all Obama could do at that point was claim credit.
Jarret did not give permission. Jarret did not think Leon Panetta had the testicular fortitude to make the decision. Leon slapped them in her face and ordered the mission. Obama had absolutely nothing to do with the mission.
bttt