Tuesday, May 26, 2009

IDF chief: I'm preparing all possible measures against Iran

(Haaretz).Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi told lawmakers on Tuesday he was preparing every possible measure Israel could take to thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"As chief of staff, my position is to prepare all the alternatives for dealing with the Iranian nuclear problem, which is what I am doing," Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi told the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

"Iran is continuing with its program," the IDF chief added. "Nuclear weapons in Iran's hands could undermine the stability of the entire Middle East."

"There is now a dialogue between the United States and Iran and we do not know at this stage whether it will bear fruit. The option of talks alongside sanctions is preferable to us," Ashkenazi said.