ISRAEL'S DEPUTY DEFENSE MINISTER REITERATES THAT "PRE-EMPTING" IRAN IS NOT OFF THE TABLE

SNEH/JPOST:

In the most dramatic comments to date by a senior government member on the threat posed by the Iranian nuclear program, the former IDF brigadier-general described an untenable scenario of Israel "living under a dark cloud of fear from a leader committed to its destruction." ...

"I am not advocating an Israeli preemptive military action against Iran, and I am aware of all of its possible repercussions," Sneh stressed. "I consider it a last resort. But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort." ... Sneh said he still hoped the international community would institute effective sanctions against Iran, but that "the chances are not high... My working assumption is that they won't succeed."

Interviewed in his Knesset office, Sneh said his priority was to define Israel's national goals, including "preparing the IDF for victory in the next round with Iran and its proxies."

Sneh is an experienced old-hand - a former Dep. Mimister of Defense under Barak, and an MD. His words should make it clear to the Free World that the clock is ticking.

UPDATED - 11/10/06: 10 HOURS LATER AND THE NYTIMES/AP HAS THE STORY.