ISRAEL/IRAN: The head of Israel's international spy agency told lawmakers in parliament yesterday that Iran was close to "the point of no return" with regard to achieving the technical knowledge and capability required to build a nuclear bomb.
The Mossad chief, Mr Meir Dagan, said that Iran would soon be able to produce enriched uranium without requiring outside help and that it was attempting to dupe the international community regarding its nuclear intentions.
Mr Dagan's remarks follow comments last week by US Vice- President, Mr Dick Cheney, who warned that if the Iranian nuclear programme is not checked then Israel might attack Tehran's nuclear facilities, like it did the Iraqi reactor in Osirak in 1981.
Israeli officials explained Mr Cheney's comments as an attempt by the US to push Europe to increase pressure on Iran to cease its drive for nuclear weapons. Iran insists the sole purpose of it nuclear programme is to produce electricity.
Israeli Vice Prime Minister, Mr Shimon Peres, also weighed in yesterday on the issue, saying Israel would follow the US line on handling Iran's nuclear programme. "The United States has to decide, not us," he told Army Radio. "If we go it alone, we will remain alone. Everyone knows our potential but we also have to know our limits. As long as there is a possibility that the world will organise to fight against Iran's nuclear option, let the world organise."
Mr Peres did not rule out the possibility of military action, but he indicated that it should be the Americans who take the lead. He said he expected the US to opt for diplomatic and economic pressure before considering other options.
Israeli officials have also accused Iran of trying to undermine efforts by the Palestinian leader, Mr Mahmoud Abbas, to persuade militant groups to agree to a ceasefire.
Iran backs Hizbullah, which has been supplying funds to some of the Palestinian militant groups during the course of the Intifada uprising.
In the West Bank, meanwhile, Israel yesterday resumed construction of a section of its controversial separation barrier around the settlement of Ariel. The stretch of fence has been delayed by petitions to Israel's High Court by Palestinian residents in the area whose lives will be disrupted by the barrier.