JERUSALEM, Feb 9: The Israeli and United States defence ministers met discreetly in Germany on Sunday amid reports that Washington is growing concerned that Israel could over-react if attacked by Iraq in the crisis over UN arms inspections. Israel's Yitzhak Mordechai met Defence Secretary William Cohen in Munich, where the US official was attending a conference on security policy before heading to the Gulf region, the defence ministry said.Mordechai flew by private jet to Germany for the meeting, which was only announced afterwards by the Israeli government, and returned home later in the day.
The ministry said Cohen and Mordechai discussed developments on US threats to launch substantial air raids against Iraq unless Baghdad gives free rein to UN inspectors hunting for weapons of mass destruction.Israel has grown concerned that Iraq could respond to a US strike by firing missiles at the Jewish state.
US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said on Sunday that a US assault would come in weeks ratherthan months if Iraq continued to hamper UN inspectors.
Cohen last week strongly urged Israel to refrain from retaliating if attacked by Iraq.
Mordechai emphasised to Cohen at their meeting that Israel reserved the right to defend itself if attacked, Israel television reported, while Cohen said the United States is ``committed and responsible for Israel's security.''
During the 1991 Gulf War, Israel bowed to US pressure and did not respond when hit by 39 Iraqi Scud missiles. Washington feared Israeli involvement in the conflict would undermine Arab support for military action to oust Iraq from Kuwait.
Israel radio said Cohen on Sunday sought similar assurances from Mordechai, a moderate who has consistently played down the Iraqi threat since the latest crisis broke out. Cohen reiterated to Mordechai that the United States will inform the Jewish state if and when it does intend to use force against Iraq, the television said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted at a cabinet discussionSunday that Israel reserved the right to retaliate if hit by Iraqi missiles, although he judged the likelihood of such an attack ``very low'', his office said.
Arab leaders have expressed unease with the tough US stand against Iraq at a time when Washington is widely seen as failing to pressure Israel to respect its commitments under peace agreements with the Palestinians.
Washington has been sending mixed messages to Israel on the issue of retaliation.
In meetings here a week ago, Albright avoided any public demands on Israel and a State Department spokesman on Thursday reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself if attacked.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
