Deputy Defense Minister (Labor) Matan Vilnai, a retired IDF major-general and southern district commander, rebuked fellow minister Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) for his statements that Israel may attack Iran.

Vilnai accused Mofaz of exploiting Israel’s security interests to advance his own position in Kadima as the party leaders jockey for the lead position in expectation of Olmert stepping down or being ousted.

Vilnai firmly suggested that ministers concern themselves with the responsibilities of their respective ministries and refrain from seeking newspaper headlines at the expense of state security and Israel’s position in the international arena.

Mofaz last week stated that if Iran continues progress towards a nuclear bomb, Israel would have no alternative but to attack.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)