Israel would back US air strikes on weapons factories in Iraq as a chapter in the US-led war on terror despite the risk of retaliatory attacks on the Jewish state, the army's second-in-command declared today.
"This will contribute to the region's stability," Major General Moshe Ayalon told Israel's private Channel Two television.
In particular, Ayalon singled out as potential targets for air raids Iraqi factories suspected of producing ground-to-ground missiles and any weapons of mass destruction.
He warned US air raids could trigger Iraqi retaliatory strikes against Israel, like during the 1991 Gulf War when Iraq fired 39 Scud missiles against Israel, leaving two dead and dozens injured.
"A US decision to launch a military operation against Iraq could in certain circumstances provoke an Iraqi decision to fire ground-to-ground missiles on Israel," he said.
US President Bush today warned Iraqi President Saddam Hussein he must allow the return of UN arms inspectors to see if Baghdad is developing chemical, biological or nuclear arms.
Asked what consequences Saddam would face if he refuses, the US leader curtly replied: "He'll find out."
AFP