by JTA Israel braces for nuclear-armed Iran

Israel is preparing for a nuclear-armed Iran.

Despite repeated public warnings that it will not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons, the Olmert government has recently instructed Israeli authorities to prepare for the eventuality of the Jewish state's arch-enemy attaining the bomb, political sources said Tuesday.

The preparations include proposals for revamping Israel's civil defense system and for countering any new emigration trends or drops in tourism caused by fear of an Iranian nuclear attack.

Jerusalem officials said only that Israel is preparing itself for a range of possible future threats.

According to Israel's military intelligence, Iran could have a nuclear bomb by 2009. But Prime Minister Ehud Olmert played down that prediction during a Knesset appearance Monday. He also voiced confidence that U.S.-led diplomatic pressure on Tehran will curb the Iranian nuclear program.

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