JERUSALEM, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Despite Iran's acceptance of international inspections for its nuclear facilities, Israel is reportedly considering destroying Iran's nuclear capabilities.
The Ha'aretz news service reports Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said on Israel radio's Persian service that if an operation is approved to destroy Iran's nuclear capability, "the necessary steps will be taken so that Iranian citizens will not be harmed."
Meir Dagan, head of Israel's Mossad overseas intelligence service, told Israeli lawmakers last month Iran's nuclear program poses the biggest threat to the existence of the Jewish state since its creation in 1948.
The "Australian" newspaper reported Dagan said Israel has discovered Iran is close to finishing construction of a uranium enrichment plant that could eventually give it the capacity to build around a dozen nuclear bombs.
In a deal brokered by Britain, France and Germany to address U.S.-led concerns about Iran's nuclear program, Iran signed a protocol of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty that opens the way for U.N. inspections.
