Iran will be able to develop a nuclear weapon within 12 months once it decides to do so, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz warned on Wednesday.
Speaking at the Herzliya Conference, Gantz said that there was no doubt that Iran was working on developing a nuclear weapon and that from the moment it decides to begin assembling the bomb and enriching uranium to the necessary levels it would take a year or even less.
“Iran is a global problem, a regional problem and a problem for Israel. Iran wants to solidify its regime by creating a nuclear deterrent,” he said. “Israel is the only country which someone calls for its destruction and is building the tools to do so.”
Gantz also slammed Russia, which he said was continuing to supply Syria with advanced weaponry even though it is unclear who will be in control of the country if and when Bashar Assad’s regime is toppled.
“The Middle East is undergoing the greatest military buildup in the world and we are the target,” he said.