Gantz: other nations could strike Iran

Israel's military chief said Thursday, that other countries have already readied their armed forces for a potential strike against Iran's nuclear sites to keep Tehran from acquiring atomic weapons. Lieutenant-general Benny Gantz, did not specify which nations might be willing to support or take direct and indirect action against Iran. However his comments are some of the strongest hints yet that Israel may have the backing of other countries to strike the Iran to prevent it from developing nuclear arms. Gantz, speaking to AP said: "The military force is ready, not only our forces, but other forces as well." He added: "We all hope that there will be no necessity to use this force, but we are absolutely sure of its existence".  He stated that he was not speaking on behalf of any other nation. Iran has maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, and that it does not aim to develop atomic weapons. Israel, which views a nuclear Iran as an existential threat, has previously said it will not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear bomb. It cites Iranian calls for Israel's destruction, Tehran's support for militant groups and its development of missiles capable of striking the Jewish state. However Israel's key ally, the United States, favours diplomacy and economic sanctions, and said previously said that military action on Iran's nuclear facilities should only be carried out as a last resort. It is generally believed that US logistical and diplomatic support would be crucial to any potential Israeli strike. Washington and other major Western powers have imposed a series of crippling economic sanctions while opening a dialogue with Iran. Gantz has previously said that in his assessment, Iran is seeking to develop its "military nuclear capability, but that the Islamic Republic would ultimately bow to international pressure and decide against building a weapon”. He added that the key to that pressure were sanctions and the threat of a military strike. Gantz's stance on Iran's intentions appeared to put him at odds with Israel's political leaders, who have staked out a more hardline position. He however denied that this was the case Thursday, saying there was no internal disagreement over Iran's aims. However Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu told CNN Tuesday that international sanctions have not changed Iran's behaviour, and that the country continues to enrich uranium, which is a key step toward developing a weapon. Netanyahu said: “The sanctions haven't rolled back the Iranian programme or even stopped it by one iota."