Report: Israel capable of striking Iran

JERUSALEM, July 16 (UPI) -- The deployment of Israeli warships in the Suez Canal proves Israel is capable of preparing to attack Iran at short notice, a London newspaper said.

Quoting Israeli defense officials, the Times of London said Thursday the recent deployment of Israeli Navy warships in the Red Sea "was a clear signal that Israel was able to put its strike force within range of Iran at short notice."

Further proof of Israel's preparations to strike Iran's nuclear sites, are plans by the Israeli air force to conduct long-range exercises in the United States later this month, and test the Arrow Missile defense system at a U.S. missile range in the Pacific Ocean, The Times said.

Israel's strengthening of ties with Egypt and other Arab nations is because of the "shared mutual distrust of Iran," the newspaper quoted an Israeli diplomat as saying.

The Times quoted an Israeli defense official as saying the preparations should be taken seriously. The recent sea maneuvers are a clear warning to Iran Israel will follow up on its threats, he said.

There was no official Israeli response to the report. On Tuesday, the navy confirmed that two of its warships crossed the Suez Canal and headed for the Red Sea just weeks after a Dolphin class submarine and missile boat participated in sea drills in the Red Sea.