Vice Premier Shimon Peres: US will fail
Photo: Ofer Amram
Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu: Prepare for strike
Photo: Ofer Amram
Peres: Israel should remain ambiguous on nukes
Speaking at Tel Aviv conference, vice premier says, 'They think we have a bomb, let them think.' Peres calls for campaign against Iran's 'insane' leadership, says US can't win in Iraq
Vice Premier Shimon Peres, the man who formed Israel's 'nuclear ambiguity' policy, responded Wednesday to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert Olmert's slip of the tongue regarding the state's nuclear capabilities.
"We need to build up our power without threatening anyone. I'm in favor of ambiguity, I formulated it. They think we have a bomb, let them think," he stated.
Oops
AP and Ynet
(VIDEO) Ahead of his first visit to Germany as prime minister, Olmert forced to deal with embarrassing slip of the tongue in interview with German TV, saying Iran aspires to possess nuclear weapons like US, France, Israel and Russia. He also calls on Germany to cut its economic ties with Iran
During a speech at the Commercial-Industrial Club in Tel Aviv, Peres referred to the Iranian nuclear threat: "Iran is dying of hunger and is going insane because of a confused individual like Ahmadinejad."
"Iran's nuclear weapons are a problem of the world. Putin can say what he wants, for him nuclear weapons are a nightmare, as well as for others. I don’t believe the world will ignore it… there are at least six options for dealing with the Iranian threat, and it's needless for me to specify," the vice premier continued.
"Israel isn't alone. We need to launch a huge campaign against the ayatollahs. On this matter we need to attack this lunatic Ahmadinejad," he said.
US criticized
Peres also slammed the United States' policy in Iraq, and said he believes the Americans cannot win the war there."I don't think the Americans will win in Iraq. There is no sense in sending a USD 100 million jet to chase a terrorist that will down the plane with a shoulder-held grenade launcher. One can't force Muslims to endorse democracy," Peres said.
Referring to the demographic situation in Europe, the vice premier stated: "The European Union is a great success and a great failure. Why? Because the Europeans have become lazy – they don’t have children."
"There is more old age, less youngsters. In Europe there is work, but no workers. In Africa it's the opposite. That is why they brought the Muslims, and Islam made its way into Europe," he added.
Netanyahu: Prepare to defend ourselves
Likud Chairman Benjamin Netanyahu, who also spoke at the event, said that "a public relations and diplomatic effort is necessary to encourage United States President George Bush keep his promise that Iran will not have nuclear weapons."
"If the United States doesn't act, other countries won't act either. At the same time, Israel needs to make all the preparations so that we are able to defend ourselves, and all resources must be devoted to this," Netanyahu added.
"No one will defend the Jews," Bibi said, adding that "if Bin Laden had a bomb, Manhattan wouldn't exist, nor would Washington or Tel Aviv. For the 'Iranian school' we are a one-bomb state. That's why the lunatics' temptation is great, and they mustn't be allowed to have the bomb."
According to Netanyahu, the prime minister should instruct the different state bodies to formulate a master plan for dealing with the Iranian threat.
"This should be done immediately, and he will receive our full support. One can always deter, but it's not enough when there are millions of fanatics who want to reach paradise… It's impossible for Israel not to lead a daily struggle against those who speak about preparing the next Holocaust."
