Iran leader’s warning to Israel

BBC NEWS:
2006/07/23 15:49:10 GMT

Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned Israel that it has
"pushed the button of its own destruction" because of its actions
in Lebanon.

He also said Israel should "pack up" and move elsewhere, repeating
comments made last year.

Israel has accused Iran of involvement in the capture of the two
Israeli soldiers, which sparked the current crisis, claims Iran denies.

Iran has also been accused of supplying Hezbollah with money and arms.

"Israel pushed the button of its own destruction by attacking Lebanon,"
Mr Ahmadinejad said while addressing an education conference.

I advise them to pack up and move out of the region before being
caught in the fire they have started in Lebanon Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Iranian president

He did not give further information but suggested Islamic nations
and others could isolate Israel and its supporters, AP news agency
reported.

He also repeated last year’s calls for Israel to move out of the
Middle East, comments which sparked widespread condemnation.

"I advise them to pack up and move out of the region before being
caught in the fire they have started in Lebanon," he said.

Iran helped found the Lebanese-based Hezbollah in 1982, but says it
only gives spiritual and political support to the group, not financial
aid, training or weapons.

It has also rejected Israeli claims it was involved in the capture
by Hezbollah of two Israeli soldiers two weeks ago, which led to the
Israeli strikes on Lebanon.