Iranian army deputy chief: If Israel attacks, we can wipe it off map

 Last update - 13:59 15/04/2008       
Top Iranian army officer: If Israel attacks, we'll wipe it off map
By Haaretz Service

In a new round in the war of words between Jerusalem and Tehran, the Iranian army's deputy chief threatened Tuesday "to wipe Israel off the map" in the event of an Israeli attack on Iran.

 

"We will be able to wipe Israel off the map, if Israel attacks Iran," Iran's Deputy Chief of Staff Mohammed Rada Ashtiani said, according to the Iranian news agency Mehr.

 

Ashtiani was speaking at a press conference to mark "Army Day," which will take place on April 17. He was referring to recent drills carried out by the Israel Defense Forces and the civilian population.

 

"As the President [Mahmoud Ahmadinejad] has said, we have the motivation to defend the borders of our country," he added.

 

According to the officer, the Iranian armed forces are in a situation which does not allow to mount an attack on Iran via land.

 

The Iranian officer's comments came after Minister of National Infrastructures Benjamin Ben-Eliezer last week warned Iran that "an Iranian attack on Israel will lead to a harsh response by Israel that will cause the destruction of the Iranian nation."

 

In turn, Tehran blasted Ben-Eliezer's comments as "scandalous" and "insulting" in a complaint to the United Nations.

 

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