Israel maintains the capability to strike Iran’s nuclear sites on its own, Israel’s military chief said.
Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz was speaking to multiple media outlets in time for Israel’s Independence Day April 16.
“We have the ability to deal with the dangers Iran presents to us,” he told Ynet. Similar remarks were reported on Israel Radio and in the daily Haaretz, suggesting Gantz wanted the Iran message above all to make headlines.
Gantz said Israel still favors sanctions and pressure on Iran, as well as “operational capabilities,” which he would not specify. They could be a euphemism for reports of Israel’s responsibility for cyberattacks on Iran, and for bombings aimed at its nuclear facilities and its scientists.
He also told Ynet, “Iran can achieve nuclear capabilities by the end of this year, but that does not mean it will.”
Gantz told Israel Radio there were “extensive discussions” between Israel’s military and political establishments about Iran, but he would not describe them as disagreements. — jta