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Revealed: Israel plans strike on Iranian nuclear plant |
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by Uzi Mahnaimi Timesonline Entered into the database on Sunday, March 13th, 2005 @ 20:56:29 MST |
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ISRAEL has drawn up secret plans for a combined air and ground attack on targets
in Iran if diplomacy fails to halt the Iranian nuclear programme.
The inner cabinet of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, gave “initial
authorisation” for an attack at a private meeting last month on his ranch
in the Negev desert.
Israeli forces have used a mock-up of Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment
plant in the desert to practise destroying it. Their tactics include raids by
Israel’s elite Shaldag (Kingfisher) commando unit and airstrikes by F-15
jets from 69 Squadron, using bunker-busting bombs to penetrate underground facilities.
The plans have been discussed with American officials who are said to have
indicated provisionally that they would not stand in Israel’s way if all
international efforts to halt Iranian nuclear projects failed. Tehran claims that its programme is designed for peaceful purposes but Israeli
and American intelligence officials — who have met to share information
in recent weeks — are convinced that it is intended to produce nuclear
weapons. The Israeli government responded cautiously yesterday to an announcement by
Condoleezza Rice, the US secretary of state, that America would support Britain,
France and Germany in offering economic incentives for Tehran to abandon its
programme. In return, the European countries promised to back Washington in referring
Iran to the United Nations security council if the latest round of talks fails
to secure agreement. Silvan Shalom, the Israeli foreign minister, said he believed that diplomacy
was the only way to deal with the issue. But he warned: “The idea that
this tyranny of Iran will hold a nuclear bomb is a nightmare, not only for us
but for the whole world.” Dick Cheney, the American vice-president, emphasised on Friday that Iran would
face “stronger action” if it failed to respond. But yesterday Iran
rejected the initiative, which provides for entry to the World Trade Organisation
and a supply of spare parts for airliners if it co-operates. “No pressure, bribe or threat can make Iran give up its legitimate right
to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes,” said an Iranian spokesman.
US officials warned last week that a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities
by Israeli or American forces had not been ruled out should the issue become
deadlocked at the United Nations. Additional reporting: Tony Allen-Mills, Washington |