Israel's deputy defence minister suggested in comments published today that Israel might be forced to launch a military strike against Iran.
"I am not advocating an Israeli pre-emptive military action against Iran, and I am aware of its possible repercussions," Deputy Defence Minister Ephraim Sneh, a former general, told the Jerusalem Postdaily.
"I consider it a last resort. But even the last resort is sometimes the only resort."
A government spokeswoman said his comments did not necessarily reflect the view of Israel's government or Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Israel sees Iran as the greatest threat to its survival. Iran's hardline president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has frequently called for Israel's destruction, and Israelis do not believe his claims that Iran's nuclear programme is meant to develop energy, not arms.
Israel crippled Iraq's nuclear programme 25 years ago with an airstrike on its unfinished nuclear reactor. Experts say Iran has learned from Iraq's mistakes, scattering its nuclear facilities and building some underground.
Mr Sneh's comments are the boldest to date by a high-ranking Israeli official.
AP