Retired IDF chief of intelligence, Major-General Amos Yadlin today warns that an Iranian atom bomb would be far greater a threat to Israel than a military operation to prevent it. Today Yadlin serves as head of Tel Aviv University’s Institute for National Security Studies (INSS).

Yadlin stated on Monday 24 Shevat 5773 that Iran has the components for the bomb and if it decides to assemble the device this year, Israel and most likely the United States will be compelled to act. Yadlin’s remarks were made during an INSS press event.

Regarding the predicted fall of the Assad regime in Syria, Yadlin feels that following the collapse of the current leadership Syria will be less of a threat to Israel because it will be too concerned with internal affairs and “its weapons will be pointed internally, not toward Israel.” He feels that the chance of a major military confrontation between Syria and Israel after Bashar al-Assad’s demise is slim.

Regarding Syrian efforts to pass weapons to Hizbullah, Yadlin cited this represents a serious violation of UN resolutions as well as Syria’s commitment to Russia, promising that the Russian-built weapons would not be sent to Lebanon.

On the PA (Palestinian Authority) scene, he feels the diplomatic process must be “jump started” and Israel must announce a definitive position “to put the ball in the PA’s court.”

He acknowledges there is a real fear of Hamas gaining control in Yehuda and Shomron, but added that each time the PA warns of imminent collapse it manages to revive itself.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)