Israel on hold despite new Iranian nuclear revelations

by David Harris

JERUSALEM, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Iran poses a "grave threat" for Israel as well as the whole world, and urged the international community "to act with determination."

His remarks come in the wake of a series of revelations about Iran's nuclear program which has made Israel more concerned than ever.

But analysts believe that there is precious little the Jewish state can do about the perceived threat, for the time being.

NEW REVELATIONS

Among the recent developments is renewed concern about the level of access being afforded to international weapons inspectors at nuclear sites in Iran. Questions are being asked of Iran regarding the nuclear facility at Qom, southwest of Tehran.

Meanwhile, a report in The Times on Tuesday suggested that outgoing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Mohamed ElBaradei has been secretly negotiating a deal with Iran to allow it to continue with its nuclear program.

When the IAEA meets at the end of next week, delegates will discuss the latest information available on nuclear developments in Iran, where reports suggest there may be a series of nuclear sites.

All of this is cause for concern in Israel, which, along with the United States and some other countries, has been accusing Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian programs. While Iran insists that its nuclear plan is only for peaceful purposes.

"The threat that Iran poses is very grave for Israel, for peace in the Middle East and the whole world. Without any doubt, we are the first target, but not the last," Netanyahu said on Tuesday while touring Israel's naval headquarters in Haifa.

"I can assure you there is growing awareness that Iran must stop arming itself, we expect the international community to act with determination," he said.