Reports: Israel could attack Iran in spring

Feb 2, 2012, 23:29 GMT

Washington - Israel could attack Iran this spring in a bid to stop Tehran from producing a nuclear weapon, an unnamed defence official told CNN Thursday.

The source was familiar with an assessment by Defence Secretary Leon Panetta that Israel could act this spring before Tehran advances further in its nuclear programme.

The Washington Post reported that Panetta thinks there is 'strong likelihood' that Israel could order a strike in April, May or June, before Tehran could build a nuclear weapon and have stockpiled uranium underground where it could not be reached by Israeli weapons.

Israel was said to be considering a limited strike on uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and other targets, the Post said.

US officials told the newspaper they do not believe Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had made a decision yet on a possible attack, and that there was disagreement within the Israeli intelligence community about the proposal.

The United States was reportedly discussing what such a strike would mean and was concerned about possible repercussions, but remains committed to Israel's security.

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