Prime Minister Ehud Olmert this morning, consulted on the Iranian issue with Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, Defense Minister Amir Peretz, Minister Rafi Eitan, Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Eli Yishai, Public Security Minister Avi Dichter and senior security establishment personnel. The discussion focused on diplomatic issues on the agenda including the steps that must be taken as part of the international effort to deal with the issue.

Prime Minister Olmert made it clear that the diplomatic effort to foil Iran's nuclear program is being led by the international community and that Israel supports the measures being taken by the UN Security Council including the imposition of sanctions on Iran and not acceding to Iran's compromise proposals that will enable it to proceed with its nuclear plans.

Prime Minister Olmert emphasized that North Korea's recent nuclear test only underscores the international community's need to urgently, determinedly and vigorously deal with the issue.