Olmert warns against early Iraq exit

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday warned the United States against a quick departure from Iraq, saying it would lead to instability in the region and undermine Washington's ability to deal with emerging threats.

"Those who are concerned for Israel's security, for the security of the Gulf States and for the stability of the entire Middle East should recognize the need for American success in Iraq and responsible exit," Olmert said in remarks to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

"Any outcome that will not help America's strength and would, in the eyes of the people in the region, undercut America's ability to deal effectively with the threat posed by the Iranian regime will be very negative," Olmert said.

Taking Iran's threats seriously

Speaking by a video link from Israel, Olmert called Iran the greatest threat to the Jewish state and said it was building sophisticated weaponry systems and trying to create nuclear capacity.

"When we hear such threats ... we have no choice but to take it seriously and we must address ourselves to these threats," Olmert said.

Olmert told AIPAC, a Washington-based Israel lobbying group, that diplomacy was the preferred solution to forcing the Iranians to reconsider their nuclear position.

But he said only President Bush and the United States can effectively confront Iran's attempt to boost its nuclear capacity.

"All of you who are concerned about the security and the future of the state of Israel understand the importance of strong American leadership addressing the Iranian threat and I'm sure that you will not hamper or restrain that strong leadership unnecessarily," Olmert said.