Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, a former IDF chief of staff, told the daily Yediot Achronot that the window of opportunity regarding a military strike in Iran is closing. He explained that if Tehran continues at its current pace, Israel will be compelled to attack, adding any military action against Iran will be with the total backing of the United States.

In a statement released on Friday, the White House stated that while America is well in tune with Israel’s concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program, it remains determined to seek a diplomatic solution at this time. The White House spokeswoman did however state President George W. Bush does not rule out a military option should such a move prove necessary.

Mark Regev, a spokesman for the prime minister on erev Shabbos explained that while Israel sees the value in the economic sanctions imposed on Iran by the international community, Jerusalem is aware that much more must be done to halt Iran’s nuclear program.

In the meantime, as senior intelligence community officials continue monitoring events in Iran, as well as Israel’s northern and southern borders, the prime minister on Friday morning is scheduled to hold meetings with his attorneys to discuss the ongoing police investigation against him. Despite his compromised position to lead the country, Olmert continues to fight Kadima party efforts to set a date for primaries, unwilling to resign in the face of mounting pressure and widespread disapproval of his performance by opponents and supporters alike.

Iran’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Mohammad Khazaee, has turned to the Security Council seeking action against Israel following the statements made on Friday by Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz.

In a bold move, Iran has called on the United Nations Security Council and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to respond to the “threat against a sovereign country,” citing that the minister’s statements represent a serious breach of international law.

Iran added that the “Security Council’s history of failing to act against Israel has encouraged her current situation”, adding Israel’s nuclear abilities present an immediate threat to the entire region.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)