Israeli government officials said that Israel's role is to warn the world of the dangers of an Iranian nuclear potential, local Jerusalem Post reported on Thursday.

As the international community still mulls over the next step in dealing with Iran's uranium enrichment, some Israeli high- ranking officials argued that Israel "may have to go it alone" when it comes to stopping Iran's nuclear ambition.

A senior government official was quoted as saying that Iran fooled the world by not responding positively to the six-nation package to stop uranium enrichment. There was a need to understand that "when push comes to shove," Israel would have to be prepared to "slow down" the Iranian nuclear threat by itself.

He did not rule out the possibility of U.S. military action, but said it would probably not occur until the spring or summer of 2008, a few months before President George W. Bush ends his term.

During a meeting with French Foreign Minister Phillippe Douste- Blazy in Paris on Wednesday, Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni said that Iran "poses a global threat" and needed to be dealt with by the whole international community.

"The first thing they need to do is stop the enrichment of uranium," Livni said, adding that "Everyday that passes brings the Iranians closer to building a nuclear bomb. The world can't afford a nuclear Iran."

She also said that the Iranian reply to the Western incentives was just an attempt to "gain time."

Iran on Tuesday delivered its official response to the six- nation proposals, but refused to suspend uranium enrichment, a key demand by the West.

The United States has accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of civilian nuclear programs. Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear programs are purely for peaceful purposes.

Source: Xinhua