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1. Esther Pollard: Don't Make Me a Widow
by Maayana Miskin
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued another call Sunday to free Jonathan Pollard. His appeal came shortly after Pollard was rushed to a hospital.
“The time has come to free Jonathan Pollard. The Jewish people’s holiday of freedom should become his personal holiday of freedom,” the Prime Minister declared.
“I have done much, and will continue to do much, to obtain his release,” Netanyahu added.
Earlier in the day Pollard’s wife, Esther, met with President Shimon Peres and made an impassioned plea for Israel’s government to do all that it can to free her husband. “Jonathan’s strength is fading,” she said. “I’m asking you to get him released. I don’t want to be Jonathan’s widow.”
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef has also asked Peres to do what he can for Pollard. In a meeting on Sunday morning in honor of Passover, Rabbi Yosef noted Peres’ good relationship with U.S. President Barack Obama, and said, “Pollard is not healthy, and we must do everything we can to free him.”
Peres promised to “do [his] best to get Pollard released.”
Pollard has been serving a life sentence since 1987 for passing classified security information to Israel. The average sentence for his crime is under 7 years in prison.
In recent years Pollard has become seriously ill. Netanyahu and Peres have both called for his release in the past.
Gilad Shalit, who was held captive by Hamas for several years, recently called for Pollard's freedom, as well.
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by Maayana Miskin
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu issued another call Sunday to free Jonathan Pollard. His appeal came shortly after Pollard was rushed to a hospital.
“The time has come to free Jonathan Pollard. The Jewish people’s holiday of freedom should become his personal holiday of freedom,” the Prime Minister declared.
“I have done much, and will continue to do much, to obtain his release,” Netanyahu added.
Earlier in the day Pollard’s wife, Esther, met with President Shimon Peres and made an impassioned plea for Israel’s government to do all that it can to free her husband. “Jonathan’s strength is fading,” she said. “I’m asking you to get him released. I don’t want to be Jonathan’s widow.”
Rabbi Ovadia Yosef has also asked Peres to do what he can for Pollard. In a meeting on Sunday morning in honor of Passover, Rabbi Yosef noted Peres’ good relationship with U.S. President Barack Obama, and said, “Pollard is not healthy, and we must do everything we can to free him.”
Peres promised to “do [his] best to get Pollard released.”
Pollard has been serving a life sentence since 1987 for passing classified security information to Israel. The average sentence for his crime is under 7 years in prison.
In recent years Pollard has become seriously ill. Netanyahu and Peres have both called for his release in the past.
Gilad Shalit, who was held captive by Hamas for several years, recently called for Pollard's freedom, as well.
Tags: Jonathan Pollard ,Netanyahu ,Peres
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2. Mofaz: Give the Palestinians 100% of Yesha
by Gabe Kahn
Opposition leader Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) told the The New York Times that he would "respond to 100% of the territorial demands of the Palestinians" if elected Prime Minister.
“I intend to replace Netanyahu,” Mr. Mofaz, 63, said. “I will not join his government.”
Mofaz said that he believed Israel should keep the main settlement blocs, but that he would give the Palestinian Authority as much land from sovereign Israeli ground as he kept from Judea and Samaria.
He added that he believes it is possible to reach an agreement on the borders and security within one year.
When asked about Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria living in communities he would cede to the Palestinian Authority, Mofaz said, "If they're given the right incentives they will leave their homes. Those who do not, we would have to evacuate [them]."
MK Uri Ariel (National Union) responded by saying "He proposes Palestinians be given 100% of the land with a swap, and those Jews who do not leave voluntarily evacuated by force."
"This is a wildly radical program that undermines our security and will lead the State of Israel into one hundred years of conflict rather than one hundred years of peace," Ariel countered. "Mofaz should find another way of trying to achieve popularity for his [declining] party without undermining Israel's security."
Yesha Council Chairman Danny Dayan said, "A man who will give the Palestinians 100% of what they demand in a territorial power play and evict tens of thousands of Israelis is unfit to be prime minister of Israel."
"But do not worry," Dayan said. "Kadima will not be chosen to lead the nation again."
Kadima is currently Israel's largest party with 28 Knesset mandates. However, recent polls indicate Kadima would only win 12-15 seats if elections were held today. It may be an effort to gain Kadima voters from other left of center parties that is causing Mofaz to voice extremist views, sources have said. He has also made anti hareidi remarks.,
Even with 28 mandates, Mofaz's predecessor Tzipi Livni was unable to call upon sufficient coalition partners to form a government - a task that was given to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Likud party.
Likud, which has 27 Knesset mandates at present, is currently polling at 32 seats. Other rightist parties are also polling beyond their present numbers.
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by Gabe Kahn
Opposition leader Shaul Mofaz (Kadima) told the The New York Times that he would "respond to 100% of the territorial demands of the Palestinians" if elected Prime Minister.
“I intend to replace Netanyahu,” Mr. Mofaz, 63, said. “I will not join his government.”
Mofaz said that he believed Israel should keep the main settlement blocs, but that he would give the Palestinian Authority as much land from sovereign Israeli ground as he kept from Judea and Samaria.
He added that he believes it is possible to reach an agreement on the borders and security within one year.
When asked about Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria living in communities he would cede to the Palestinian Authority, Mofaz said, "If they're given the right incentives they will leave their homes. Those who do not, we would have to evacuate [them]."
MK Uri Ariel (National Union) responded by saying "He proposes Palestinians be given 100% of the land with a swap, and those Jews who do not leave voluntarily evacuated by force."
"This is a wildly radical program that undermines our security and will lead the State of Israel into one hundred years of conflict rather than one hundred years of peace," Ariel countered. "Mofaz should find another way of trying to achieve popularity for his [declining] party without undermining Israel's security."
Yesha Council Chairman Danny Dayan said, "A man who will give the Palestinians 100% of what they demand in a territorial power play and evict tens of thousands of Israelis is unfit to be prime minister of Israel."
"But do not worry," Dayan said. "Kadima will not be chosen to lead the nation again."
Kadima is currently Israel's largest party with 28 Knesset mandates. However, recent polls indicate Kadima would only win 12-15 seats if elections were held today. It may be an effort to gain Kadima voters from other left of center parties that is causing Mofaz to voice extremist views, sources have said. He has also made anti hareidi remarks.,
Even with 28 mandates, Mofaz's predecessor Tzipi Livni was unable to call upon sufficient coalition partners to form a government - a task that was given to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's Likud party.
Likud, which has 27 Knesset mandates at present, is currently polling at 32 seats. Other rightist parties are also polling beyond their present numbers.
Tags: Shaul Mofaz ,kadima ,Judea and Samaria
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3. Gaza Terrorists Launch Rockets at Southern Israel
by Chana Ya'ar
Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza launched another rocket attack at southern Israel Sunday morning.Two short-range Qassam rockets exploded in fields located in the Sdot HaNegev Regional Council district area, near Netivot.
No one was physically injured and no property damage was reported.An Israel Air Force drone preempted a terrorist cell from launching a missile attack against Israel from Gaza on Saturday.
Two terrorists riding a motorcycle near the southern Gaza city of Rafiah were wounded in the air strike.
Also on Saturday, the IDF announced it had located an unexploded Grad Katyusha missile near Eilat, two days after an attack was launched against the southern city of Eilat.
It was the second of three missiles that were fired at the Red Sea resort from the Sinai Peninsula.Although Egypt has officially denied the attack came from its territory, Cairo's interior ministry boosted its security deployment to the northern area of the Sinai over the weekend.
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by Chana Ya'ar
Palestinian Authority terrorists in Gaza launched another rocket attack at southern Israel Sunday morning.Two short-range Qassam rockets exploded in fields located in the Sdot HaNegev Regional Council district area, near Netivot.
No one was physically injured and no property damage was reported.An Israel Air Force drone preempted a terrorist cell from launching a missile attack against Israel from Gaza on Saturday.
Two terrorists riding a motorcycle near the southern Gaza city of Rafiah were wounded in the air strike.
Also on Saturday, the IDF announced it had located an unexploded Grad Katyusha missile near Eilat, two days after an attack was launched against the southern city of Eilat.
It was the second of three missiles that were fired at the Red Sea resort from the Sinai Peninsula.Although Egypt has officially denied the attack came from its territory, Cairo's interior ministry boosted its security deployment to the northern area of the Sinai over the weekend.
Tags: Gaza ,Qassam ,rocket and mortar attacks ,Grad Katyusha
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4. Passover 2012: 100,000 at Israel's Parks, Nature Reserves
by Chana Ya'ar
At least 100,000 people are expected to visit Israel's national parks and nature reserves this week during the Passover holiday.The Nature and Parks Authority has set up dozens of information booths throughout the country, with free admission to most of the parks this week.
Those planning to visit these areas are asked to observe all safety regulations, and to check reports on the radio to ensure the areas they plan to visit are not overcrowded.Bank HaPoalim has also sponsored free admission for numerous museums and other sites around the country as well, as it does each year. Others are opening free as well, to participate in the holiday spirit.
Among the many places with free admission during this holiday week are the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Ghetto Fighters Museum, the Gangoroo, Katzrin Park, Haifa Museum of Art, National Maritime Museum Haifa, Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem, City of David, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Israel Museum Jerusalem (for children only through Passover, and everyone on April 12), Israel Air Force Museum, Museum of Bedouin Culture, Ben Gurion Hut, and Hai Negev Revivim.
Higher than normal temperatures are predicted for today (Sunday), bordering on sharav (heat wave) conditions. Temperatures are expected to drop a bit by Monday, but still to remain higher than normal for the season, with warm weather Tuesday as well. A significant drop in temperature is in the forecast for Wednesday, with local rain predicted in the north.
The second and closing holiday of the Passover week begins at sunset Thursday night, April 12.
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by Chana Ya'ar
At least 100,000 people are expected to visit Israel's national parks and nature reserves this week during the Passover holiday.The Nature and Parks Authority has set up dozens of information booths throughout the country, with free admission to most of the parks this week.
Those planning to visit these areas are asked to observe all safety regulations, and to check reports on the radio to ensure the areas they plan to visit are not overcrowded.Bank HaPoalim has also sponsored free admission for numerous museums and other sites around the country as well, as it does each year. Others are opening free as well, to participate in the holiday spirit.
Among the many places with free admission during this holiday week are the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Ghetto Fighters Museum, the Gangoroo, Katzrin Park, Haifa Museum of Art, National Maritime Museum Haifa, Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem, City of David, Jerusalem Botanical Gardens, Israel Museum Jerusalem (for children only through Passover, and everyone on April 12), Israel Air Force Museum, Museum of Bedouin Culture, Ben Gurion Hut, and Hai Negev Revivim.
Higher than normal temperatures are predicted for today (Sunday), bordering on sharav (heat wave) conditions. Temperatures are expected to drop a bit by Monday, but still to remain higher than normal for the season, with warm weather Tuesday as well. A significant drop in temperature is in the forecast for Wednesday, with local rain predicted in the north.
The second and closing holiday of the Passover week begins at sunset Thursday night, April 12.
Tags: Passover ,Chol HaMoed ,tourism
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5. Poet Gunter Grass Banned from Entering Israel
by Chana Ya'ar
Interior Minister Eli Yishai has banned German poet Gunter Grass from entering Israel.Yishai declared Grass “persona non grata” in the Jewish State on Sunday, saying his poems were an attempt to “fan the flames of hatred against the state, and against Israel.”
If Gunter chooses to spread distortion and falsehood, said Yishai, “I suggest that he do so from Iran, where he can find a [more] receptive audience.”Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also had harsh words for the 84-year-old poet, saying “In order to get publicity and sell a few books, he once more is willing to sacrifice Jews.”
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle added his views to the issue in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper Sunday morning as well, noting that the poet's work bespoke a denial of Iran's intentions that was not a simple matter of bigotry, but also dangerous to the world at large.“Despite international criticism, Iran is advancing its nuclear program,” Westerwelle noted. “There are credible reports that point to a military dimension. In contradiction to international law, Iran refuses to cooperate regarding control of its nuclear program.
“Let it be said tto those who don't want to recognize that: This is not a playground for polemics, ideology and prejudices – this is dead serious...“Nuclear weapons in Iranian hands would be a threat to Israel's security. For our responsible German foreign policy this is reason for special concern, because Germany has a historic responsibility for the people in Israel.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu last week commented, “For six decades Grass has concealed his past as a member of the Waffen SS. It therefore comes as no surprise that he describes the only Jewish State as the biggest threat to world peace, and opposes it equipping itself with the means for self-defense.”The poet slammed what he called a “campaign” against him by critics, after publishing a poem Wednesday in several European newspapers called “What Must Be Said.”
In the poem, the Nobel Literature Prize laureate alleged that Israel is a “danger for world peace.” He maintained an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could “wipe out” and “annihilate” its people, adding that Iran's nuclear ambitions were “unproven.”
Jewish publicist Herryk Broder called him “the prototype of an educated anti-Semite” in response.
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by Chana Ya'ar
Interior Minister Eli Yishai has banned German poet Gunter Grass from entering Israel.Yishai declared Grass “persona non grata” in the Jewish State on Sunday, saying his poems were an attempt to “fan the flames of hatred against the state, and against Israel.”
If Gunter chooses to spread distortion and falsehood, said Yishai, “I suggest that he do so from Iran, where he can find a [more] receptive audience.”Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman also had harsh words for the 84-year-old poet, saying “In order to get publicity and sell a few books, he once more is willing to sacrifice Jews.”
German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle added his views to the issue in the Bild am Sonntag newspaper Sunday morning as well, noting that the poet's work bespoke a denial of Iran's intentions that was not a simple matter of bigotry, but also dangerous to the world at large.“Despite international criticism, Iran is advancing its nuclear program,” Westerwelle noted. “There are credible reports that point to a military dimension. In contradiction to international law, Iran refuses to cooperate regarding control of its nuclear program.
“Let it be said tto those who don't want to recognize that: This is not a playground for polemics, ideology and prejudices – this is dead serious...“Nuclear weapons in Iranian hands would be a threat to Israel's security. For our responsible German foreign policy this is reason for special concern, because Germany has a historic responsibility for the people in Israel.”
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu last week commented, “For six decades Grass has concealed his past as a member of the Waffen SS. It therefore comes as no surprise that he describes the only Jewish State as the biggest threat to world peace, and opposes it equipping itself with the means for self-defense.”The poet slammed what he called a “campaign” against him by critics, after publishing a poem Wednesday in several European newspapers called “What Must Be Said.”
In the poem, the Nobel Literature Prize laureate alleged that Israel is a “danger for world peace.” He maintained an Israeli strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could “wipe out” and “annihilate” its people, adding that Iran's nuclear ambitions were “unproven.”
Jewish publicist Herryk Broder called him “the prototype of an educated anti-Semite” in response.
Tags: Gunter Grass ,poet
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6. Egypt Deploys More Troops in Sinai
by Gabe Kahn
Egypt's Interior Ministry on Saturday said it is boosting its security deployment at the northern Sinai Peninsula.
According to Cairo's regional commander Salah al-Masri, 150 special police forces were deployed to the area near the border with Israel.
al-Masri said a "comprehensive new security scheme" which "includes massive efforts to secure the gas pipeline connecting Egypt to Israel and Jordan" is being implemented.
The Bethlehem-based Ma'an News Agency reported Israel allowed Egyptian officials to dispatch seven military regiments - which could include thousands of troops - to the Sinai in order to curb the growing terror threat in the region.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has already allowed large deployments of Egyptian troops into all three of Sinai's security zones on the pretext of increased counter-terror operations.
A senior IDF source who spoke with Arutz Sheva on condition of anonymity said Cairo's previous deployments were sufficient to secure Egypt's side of the border - emphasizing more deployments were completely unecessary.
Before dawn on Thursday, at least two Grad rockets were fired from the Sinai at the southern Israel resort town of Eilat. One rocket exploded while a second was found in an open area near Eilat Saturday.
That led Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to charge the Sinai had become a "launch pad for terror" since President Hosni Mubarak's ouster in April 2011.
Egyptian officials charged Israel is responsible for Egypt's security vacuum in the Sinai and claimed "the only solution" is to renogotiate the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. .
Under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty the Sinai Peninsula is divided into three security zones in which Cairo can only deploy troops with Israel's consent.
Analysts say Cairo, which made numerous threats to scrap the treaty in the post-Mubarak era, are seeking to use purported security failures as political leverage.
Cairo's own security director for Sinai, Mahamoud El-Hefnawy, told Egyptian media on Thursday that "the situation in the southern sector is excellent."
"There are regular patrols and stakeouts across all roads. If anyone seems suspect they are stopped for inspections meant to stop any terrorist elements from entering the area," he added.
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by Gabe Kahn
Egypt's Interior Ministry on Saturday said it is boosting its security deployment at the northern Sinai Peninsula.
According to Cairo's regional commander Salah al-Masri, 150 special police forces were deployed to the area near the border with Israel.
al-Masri said a "comprehensive new security scheme" which "includes massive efforts to secure the gas pipeline connecting Egypt to Israel and Jordan" is being implemented.
The Bethlehem-based Ma'an News Agency reported Israel allowed Egyptian officials to dispatch seven military regiments - which could include thousands of troops - to the Sinai in order to curb the growing terror threat in the region.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak has already allowed large deployments of Egyptian troops into all three of Sinai's security zones on the pretext of increased counter-terror operations.
A senior IDF source who spoke with Arutz Sheva on condition of anonymity said Cairo's previous deployments were sufficient to secure Egypt's side of the border - emphasizing more deployments were completely unecessary.
Before dawn on Thursday, at least two Grad rockets were fired from the Sinai at the southern Israel resort town of Eilat. One rocket exploded while a second was found in an open area near Eilat Saturday.
That led Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to charge the Sinai had become a "launch pad for terror" since President Hosni Mubarak's ouster in April 2011.
Egyptian officials charged Israel is responsible for Egypt's security vacuum in the Sinai and claimed "the only solution" is to renogotiate the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty. .
Under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty the Sinai Peninsula is divided into three security zones in which Cairo can only deploy troops with Israel's consent.
Analysts say Cairo, which made numerous threats to scrap the treaty in the post-Mubarak era, are seeking to use purported security failures as political leverage.
Cairo's own security director for Sinai, Mahamoud El-Hefnawy, told Egyptian media on Thursday that "the situation in the southern sector is excellent."
"There are regular patrols and stakeouts across all roads. If anyone seems suspect they are stopped for inspections meant to stop any terrorist elements from entering the area," he added.
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7. Israel: Iran Claims Validate Nuclear Threat
by Gabe Kahn
Israel on Saturday said recent claims by an Iranian lawmaker that Tehran could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so supported Jerusalem's view that Iran's nuclear program had a military dimension.
An Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity repeated Jerusalem's demands that Iran must stop enriching uranium, remove all military-grade enriched material from the country, and dismantle its Fordo nuclear research site.
The remarks were in response Iranian lawmaker Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghadam, who for the first time on Friday admitted Iran has the capability to produce nuclear weapons.
Moghadam told the parliament's news website, "Iran has the scientific and technological capability to produce [a] nuclear weapon, but will never choose this path."
The statement by Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghadam is the first time an Iranian politician has publicly stated that the country has the knowledge and skills to produce a nuclear weapon.
Moghadam said Iran could easily create the highly enriched uranium that is used to build atomic bombs, but it was not Tehran's policy to go down that route.
Tehran has previously denied its nuclear program has military dimensions, insisting it is solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Moghadam's remarks seemed to validate charges in recent International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Tehran had sought - and continued to seek - nuclear technology of a military nature.
The IAEA has also sharply criticized Iran for systemically blocking nuclear inspectors from accessing its key enrichments sites in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which Tehran is a signatory.
However, his remarks also fell in line with a recent conciliatory shift in Iranian rhetoric ahead of talks between the P5+1 and Iran on its nuclear program slated from April 13-14.
Early last month, a key advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated Tehran was willing to back away from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's belligerent nuclear stance.
Mohammad Javad Larijani said the West should accept Iran's "peaceful nuclear program," sell Iran 20 percent enriched uranium, and provide the customary assistance nuclear nations provide to those building nuclear power plants.
In return for cooperation from the West Iran would offer "full transparency," Larijani said.
He did not say Iran would halt uranium enrichment – a key demand by Jerusalem and Washington to avoid military strikes – but observers say the stipulation that the West provide 20% enriched uranium indicates Iran is open to doing so.
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by Gabe Kahn
Israel on Saturday said recent claims by an Iranian lawmaker that Tehran could build a nuclear weapon if it chose to do so supported Jerusalem's view that Iran's nuclear program had a military dimension.
An Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity repeated Jerusalem's demands that Iran must stop enriching uranium, remove all military-grade enriched material from the country, and dismantle its Fordo nuclear research site.
The remarks were in response Iranian lawmaker Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghadam, who for the first time on Friday admitted Iran has the capability to produce nuclear weapons.
Moghadam told the parliament's news website, "Iran has the scientific and technological capability to produce [a] nuclear weapon, but will never choose this path."
The statement by Gholamreza Mesbahi Moghadam is the first time an Iranian politician has publicly stated that the country has the knowledge and skills to produce a nuclear weapon.
Moghadam said Iran could easily create the highly enriched uranium that is used to build atomic bombs, but it was not Tehran's policy to go down that route.
Tehran has previously denied its nuclear program has military dimensions, insisting it is solely for peaceful civilian purposes.
Moghadam's remarks seemed to validate charges in recent International Atomic Energy Agency reports that Tehran had sought - and continued to seek - nuclear technology of a military nature.
The IAEA has also sharply criticized Iran for systemically blocking nuclear inspectors from accessing its key enrichments sites in violation of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to which Tehran is a signatory.
However, his remarks also fell in line with a recent conciliatory shift in Iranian rhetoric ahead of talks between the P5+1 and Iran on its nuclear program slated from April 13-14.
Early last month, a key advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated Tehran was willing to back away from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's belligerent nuclear stance.
Mohammad Javad Larijani said the West should accept Iran's "peaceful nuclear program," sell Iran 20 percent enriched uranium, and provide the customary assistance nuclear nations provide to those building nuclear power plants.
In return for cooperation from the West Iran would offer "full transparency," Larijani said.
He did not say Iran would halt uranium enrichment – a key demand by Jerusalem and Washington to avoid military strikes – but observers say the stipulation that the West provide 20% enriched uranium indicates Iran is open to doing so.
Tags: Israel ,Iran ,Iran Nuclear threat
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8. Do US Missile Defense Plans Herald Iran Strike?
by Gabe Kahn
Russia charged last Friday that a unified missile defense system comprising the United States and six Arab states is a signal that a military strike on Iran could be on the horizon.
"The formation of the missile defense system is a new step to signal the possibility of a military strike on Iran, at least in a political context," Chairman Alexey Pushkov of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee said.
Pushkov was commenting on reports that the Pentagon has agreed to form a single missile defense system with the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.
"A missile defense system is only needed in the event that Iran decides to retaliate, since there are no reasons to think that Iran would be the first to launch a strike all of a sudden," Pushkov said.
These latest developments come as the so-called P5+1 – the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany – prepare for talks with Iran on April 13-14.
The talks will focus on Iran’s nuclear research activities, which Washignton, its European and Gulf Arab allies, and Israel believe are a cover for an illicit nuclear weapons program.
Tehran claims its nuclear program is 100-percent peaceful, but two recent reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency have buttressed Washington's claims.
IAEA officials have said Iran has sought – and likely continues to seek – nuclear technology of a military nature. They also sharply criticize Iran's systemic refusal to allow international inspectors access to their nuclear facilities.
As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the Islamic Republic is obligated to allow IAEA inspectors full access to facilities where nuclear work is done.
The new talks come as analysts say Israel will be entering a critical window of opportunity for a preemptive strike on Iran should the upcoming round of talks fail to yield tangible results.
Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed concern that Iran's nuclear program is reaching a "zone of immunity" in which its key uranium enrichment activities are so diffuse and well fortified as the be effectively invulnerable to attack.
Russian officials say Israel may be more inclined to launch a preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons sites while the United States is occupied with its presidential election season, and President Barack Obama is not in a position to appear weak before the pro-Israeli Republican opposition.
Other factors, including Germany’s decision to sell six Dolphin-class submarines to the Israeli Navy – as well as US missile defense moves – also led to dour assessments of "a worst-case scenario" in Moscow.
"As you know, we have several scenarios on the table, among them the so-called military scenario of settling the Iranian problem,” Pushkov noted. “Judging by statements made by some countries, this military scenario is becoming increasingly probable."
Moscow has repeatedly expressed the concern that a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could lead to a regional war that may spill across its own borders.
However, Pushkov expressed what could best be described as cautious optimism that a breakthrough may occur in the upcoming talks.
"Much will depend on the talks on Iran's problem," Pushkov told the Russian lawmakers. "Everyone hopes that these talks will be effective. But there is skepticism, too, given that the situation is not abating, but deteriorating, despite a flurry of political and diplomatic activity surrounding the Iranian problem.”
Early last month, a key advisor to Iran's Surpeme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated Tehraan was willing to back away from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's belligerent nuclear stance.
Mohammad Javad Larijani said the West should accept Iran's "peaceful nuclear program," sell Iran 20 percent enriched uranium, and provide the customary assistance nuclear nations provide to those building nuclear power plants.
In return for cooperation from the West Iran would offer "full transparency," Larijani said.
He did not say Iran would halt uranium enrichment – a key demand by Jerusalem and Washington to avoid military strikes – but observers say the stipulation that the West provide 20% enriched uranium indicates Iran is open to doing so.
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by Gabe Kahn
Russia charged last Friday that a unified missile defense system comprising the United States and six Arab states is a signal that a military strike on Iran could be on the horizon.
"The formation of the missile defense system is a new step to signal the possibility of a military strike on Iran, at least in a political context," Chairman Alexey Pushkov of the State Duma's International Affairs Committee said.
Pushkov was commenting on reports that the Pentagon has agreed to form a single missile defense system with the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council – Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.
"A missile defense system is only needed in the event that Iran decides to retaliate, since there are no reasons to think that Iran would be the first to launch a strike all of a sudden," Pushkov said.
These latest developments come as the so-called P5+1 – the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany – prepare for talks with Iran on April 13-14.
The talks will focus on Iran’s nuclear research activities, which Washignton, its European and Gulf Arab allies, and Israel believe are a cover for an illicit nuclear weapons program.
Tehran claims its nuclear program is 100-percent peaceful, but two recent reports by the International Atomic Energy Agency have buttressed Washington's claims.
IAEA officials have said Iran has sought – and likely continues to seek – nuclear technology of a military nature. They also sharply criticize Iran's systemic refusal to allow international inspectors access to their nuclear facilities.
As a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the Islamic Republic is obligated to allow IAEA inspectors full access to facilities where nuclear work is done.
The new talks come as analysts say Israel will be entering a critical window of opportunity for a preemptive strike on Iran should the upcoming round of talks fail to yield tangible results.
Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed concern that Iran's nuclear program is reaching a "zone of immunity" in which its key uranium enrichment activities are so diffuse and well fortified as the be effectively invulnerable to attack.
Russian officials say Israel may be more inclined to launch a preemptive attack on Iran’s nuclear weapons sites while the United States is occupied with its presidential election season, and President Barack Obama is not in a position to appear weak before the pro-Israeli Republican opposition.
Other factors, including Germany’s decision to sell six Dolphin-class submarines to the Israeli Navy – as well as US missile defense moves – also led to dour assessments of "a worst-case scenario" in Moscow.
"As you know, we have several scenarios on the table, among them the so-called military scenario of settling the Iranian problem,” Pushkov noted. “Judging by statements made by some countries, this military scenario is becoming increasingly probable."
Moscow has repeatedly expressed the concern that a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities could lead to a regional war that may spill across its own borders.
However, Pushkov expressed what could best be described as cautious optimism that a breakthrough may occur in the upcoming talks.
"Much will depend on the talks on Iran's problem," Pushkov told the Russian lawmakers. "Everyone hopes that these talks will be effective. But there is skepticism, too, given that the situation is not abating, but deteriorating, despite a flurry of political and diplomatic activity surrounding the Iranian problem.”
Early last month, a key advisor to Iran's Surpeme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei indicated Tehraan was willing to back away from President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's belligerent nuclear stance.
Mohammad Javad Larijani said the West should accept Iran's "peaceful nuclear program," sell Iran 20 percent enriched uranium, and provide the customary assistance nuclear nations provide to those building nuclear power plants.
In return for cooperation from the West Iran would offer "full transparency," Larijani said.
He did not say Iran would halt uranium enrichment – a key demand by Jerusalem and Washington to avoid military strikes – but observers say the stipulation that the West provide 20% enriched uranium indicates Iran is open to doing so.
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