OCCUPIED JERUSALEM (AFP)
Iran could be just months away from fully mastering nuclear technology, Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Shaul Mofaz said on Thursday, citing intelligence estimates.
"The Iranians could cross the technological line within a relatively short time, within months, before the end of the year," he told army radio.
"We have to prepare for that scenario," said Mofaz, who was speaking while on an official visit to the United States.
Israel, the Middle East's sole if undeclared nuclear power, and the United States have accused Iran of using its civilian nuclear power program as a cover for attempting to develop an atomic bomb.
Tehran vehemently denies that, but has had three sets of U.N. Security Council sanctions imposed on it for refusing to stop enriching uranium.
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Attack on anniversary Meanwhile, Israel's military intelligence chief has warned of a possible major attack by Hamas when the Jewish state celebrates its 60th anniversary next month, Israeli media reported on Wednesday.
"We have knowledge of Hamas plans to conduct a 'major' attack during the anniversary," Major General Amos Yadlin was quoted as saying.
Yadlin told a cabinet meeting that the Islamist group is mulling a series of simultaneous attacks for Independence Day on May 8, the Haaretz daily reported.
The Jerusalem Post quoted him as saying Hamas might try to launch an operation similar to an attack on the Gaza Strip's Kerem Shalom crossing two weeks ago in which 13 Israeli soldiers were wounded and four militants killed.
The operation could include attempts to capture Israeli soldiers, the Post added.
Israel was founded on May 14, 1948, but independence is celebrated from sundown on May 7 to the following evening in accordance with the Hebrew lunar calendar. |
