IDF: Only US operation can stop Iran

Officials who attend meeting convened by PM Olmert get the impression IDF believes if Americans fail to act, Iranians will continue to operate in bid to obtain nuclear weapons for military purposes; PM's Office denies report that military sources expressed stance during meeting
Ronny Sofer

Officials who attended a meeting convened by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Thursday morning were under the impression that the Israel Defense Forces believes that if the United States fails to act, the Iranians will continue to operate in a bid to achieve nuclear weapons for military needs.

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Sources at the Prime Minister's Office, however, denied the report that such remarks were made by the IDF during the meeting.

The ministers and heads of the secret services got the impression during briefings on the Iranian issue. Different officials made it clear that Iran was still far from achieving the technology that will enable it to possess a nuclear bomb.

According to estimates, the attendees understood, such a bomb may be achieved within two to seven years, depending on the analyzing element.

'Israel working together with US'

During the briefings, it was also made clear that Iran views the weak international response and the latest developments in North Korea as a sign of weakness. According to the officials, the Iranians see the situation as a green light to continue their activities, while taking advantage of the West's weakness.

Diplomatic sources told Ynet on Thursday evening that Israel was planning to continue to act firmly along with the international community against the Iranian problem. According to the sources, more firm international moves against North Korea and Iran are now expected to take place.

"Israel has been left in the backstage, but is working together with the US, the UN and other elements in order to deal with the serious danger of a possibility of developing nuclear weapons by a country whose president wants to see Israel destroyed," a source said.