Israel says NKorea nuclear deal no model for Iran

JERUSALEM - The Associated Press

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Daniel Ayalon attends an interview with Reuters at the 48th Conference on Security Policy in Munich February 3, 2012. REUTERS/Michaela Rehle

Israel's deputy foreign minister says North Korea's agreement to freeze its nuclear weapons program in exchange for food aid is not a blueprint for Iran.

"The two cases are entirely dissimilar," Danny Ayalon told Israel Radio today.

"As we know the Koreans already crossed the threshold of nuclear capability and this is not what we want to see in Iran," Ayalon said.

Israel and the United States say that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. They disagree on how to react. Israeli leaders have hinted at striking Iran, while Washington advises waiting for sanctions to take effect.
Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flies to the United States today for talks that will likely focus on Iran.