Hague to discuss Iranian nukes in Israel

JERUSALEM, Nov. 2 (UPI) -- Britain's foreign secretary is scheduled to hold a series of secret discussions with senior Israeli officials on Iran's nuclear program, officials said.

It is William Hague's first visit to Israel since he was appointed foreign secretary. He was to arrive in Israel Tuesday night, Haaretz said.

The newspaper noted Hague asked to meet with a "long list of senior Israeli officials involved in the issue" to gain a better understanding of Israel's position on Iran's nuclear threat, the paper said.

The closed session is scheduled to take place at the British ambassador's residence in Ramat Gan, the paper said. Among those invited to attend the discussions are Mossad chief Meir Dagan, Shaul Chorev, director general of Israel Atomic Energy Commission, Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, Intelligence and Atomic Energy Minister Dan Meridor and Moshe Ya'alon, minister of Strategic Affairs, the paper said.

While there are differences of opinion concerning Britain's views on the Palestinian issue, there is close intelligence and diplomatic cooperation with Israel on Iran's race for nuclear power, the paper said.