Former PM tells CNN´s Amanpour Iran aware of nuclear program´s ramifications, but Israel must ´create capacity´ to defends itself

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said he does not trust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach the right decision for Israel regarding Iran´s nuclear program.

In an interview with CNN´s Christiane Amanpour, which will be aired Monday night, Olmert said, "The Iranian regime has not gone beyond a certain line of developing (its) nuclear program. That shows that they are at least thoughtful, which means that they are not rushing, but they are calculating their steps – being aware of the possible ramifications of what they do to Iran itself – which is what we want them to understand.

"At the same time, we have to create a capacity to defend ourselves in the event that they will not (halt the nuclear program)," he told Amanpour. "And at the same time we have to encourage the international community, quietly by the way, without talking so much, (…) to take measures, sanctions (…) but also not to rush (to) certain military actions which are not essential at this point."

Olmert told CNN that according to many Israeli intelligence estimates, Iran would retaliate to an Israeli strike. Attacking at an inopportune time could be a terrible mistake, the former PM said, while hinting that he does not trust Israel´s current leaders to make the right decision.

Addressing US-Israel relations, Olmert accused Netanyahu of failing to effectively cooperate with US President Barack Obama. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 04/30/12)