Lieberman: Regional 'Tensions' Delayed U.S.-Israel Drill
Israel and the United States opted to delay a major joint military exercise because of regional tensions and instability, Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said on Monday.
"The entire world understands that we had to postpone this exercise because of political and regional uncertainties, as well as the tensions and instability prevailing in the region," Lieberman told public radio.
"It's only a delay, the exercise will take place by the end of the year," he added, speaking from Warsaw where he was on an official visit.
On Sunday, a senior Israeli security official confirmed that the exercise, codenamed "Austere Challenge 12," which had been scheduled for spring, was now being put back to late 2012.
The joint maneuver was to have been the biggest yet between the two allies and was seen as an opportunity to display their joint military strength at a time of growing concern about Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
But it was to come at a time of rising tensions over Iran's nuclear program, which Israel, Washington and much of the international community believe masks a weapons drive.
The United States is seeking tough new sanctions against Tehran, including its oil exports and financial institutions, and Iran has responded by threatening to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday, two Israeli officials questioned whether the international community, and the United States in particular, were pushing hard enough for new sanctions.
Lieberman on Monday also called for speedier action, saying now "is the time for the international community to move from words to actions."
Asked about the possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, Lieberman said it was not for Israel "to take on a mission that is one for the international community, but it must keep all options on the table."
"Iran is not a threat to Israel alone. For the Gulf countries, Iran is also problem number one," he said. "Iran has taken control of Iraq and wants to do the same in Saudi Arabia to be able to dictate energy policy in the whole world."
Lieberman also accused Tehran of aiding Syrian President Bashar Assad's crackdown on pro-democracy activists, saying his regime "wouldn't last a week without Tehran's help."
Israel has made no secret of its desire to see crippling sanctions imposed on Iran in a bid to halt its nuclear program, which Tehran insists is for civilian energy and medical purposes alone.
But it has also kept open the possibility of military action to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Israel has been linked in media reports to both a computer worm that set back the nuclear program and a string of assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists.
Source: Agence France Presse
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