Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and his senior cabinet ministers decided Wednesday to launch a diplomatic offensive against the "threat" posed by Iran, a source close to the premier said.
Sharon's mini-cabinet, which includes Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, met amid increasing tension between the two sides. Other ministers - Ehud Olmert, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yosef Lapid, Uzi Landau - attended the meeting as well as top members of Israel's intelligence community.
The ministers decided to counter the threat "by diplomatic means" with the backing of the United States, the source added, according to AFP. The meeting also discussed implications of Libya's announced intention to abandon weapons of mass destruction, Haaretz reported.
Last month, Sharon asked Mossad chief Meir Dagan to coordinate efforts to thwart Iran's nuclear program. (Albawaba.com)
© 2003 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
