Israel: Iranian Nuclear Disclosure Proof It Seeks Atom Bomb

Israel is weighing in on Iran's revelation of a previously-unknown nuclear fuel plant.

Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman says Iran's new disclosure of an additional nuclear facility is proof that the Islamic Republic is seeking the atom bomb. Lieberman told Israel Radio that "without a doubt, this nuclear facility is for military and not peaceful purposes."

Iran says that its nuclear program is for the peaceful production of energy and not for atomic weapons. But Israel sees Iran's nuclear program as an existential threat; and it is concerned by the rhetoric of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who has vowed to wipe the Jewish state "off the map."

In the interview, Lieberman was asked if Israel might be compelled to carry out its threat to attack Iran's nuclear facilities.

The foreign minister responded that the ball is now in the court of the international community-a reference to repeated Israeli demands to impose harsh sanctions on Iran. Lieberman said the world powers should stop appeasing what he described as a "mad regime" and adopt a tougher approach.

Evidence of the clandestine facility was presented Friday by President Barack Obama and the leaders of Britain and France at the G-20 economic summit in Pittsburgh.
Mr. Obama demanded Iran show greater transparency regarding its nuclear program warning or face tougher sanctions.