FIFTH COLUMN

Sharon: Iran recruits Israeli Arabs for terror
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has accused Iran of trying to recruit Israeli Arabs for terrorist activity and underlined the threat of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. The prime minister spoke Monday afternoon as he hosted soldiers in the Succah outside of his Jerusalem residence. "Iran is without a doubt a very dangerous country which is operating among Israeli Arabs through the Islamic Movement," Sharon said.

Although most of Israel's Arabs would prefer to lead quiet lives, Sharon said, there exists a minority which is active under direct guidance from Iran. "Iran is actively involved in terrorism, along with Syria, Lebanon, and the Hizbullah, and it is making great efforts to acquire nuclear weaponry." Iranian leaders have called openly for the annihilation of Israel and the extermination of the Jewish people, and considering Iran's open anti-Israel stance, the prime minister emphasized the danger of Iran developing nuclear weapons.