Israel maintains its liberty to operate against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's National Security Advisor Uzi Arad said Thursday.

Arad made the remarks to Israel Army Radio, saying that the Jewish state will not sit on the sidelines and watch while Iran attains nuclear weapons capability.

According to the national security advisor, during this week's visit to Washington, Netanyahu "clarified that Israel reserves itself operational freedom, and several of the most senior figures in the Obama administration said 'of course.'"

Arad added the United States was aware of Israel's unique security needs and accepted them, and knew that it would not necessarily receive forewarning of an Israeli strike against Tehran 's nuclear facilities.

"There have been past instances in which Israel did not update the United States regarding military operations," he was quoted assaying.

Arad's words came just one day after a senior U.S. official said that Israel knew it needed to coordinate its strategy on Iran with other nations.

On Wednesday, Central Intelligence Agency director Leon Panetta, who acknowledged that he had recently traveled to Israel to meet Netanyahu and warned him against a strike on Iran, told Global Viewpoint that he "felt assured" Israel would not break ranks with Washington's strategy.

"Yes, the Israelis are obviously concerned about Iran and focused on it," he said. "But (Netanyahu) understands that if Israel goes it alone, it will mean big trouble. He knows that for the sake of Israeli security, they have to work together with others."

The United States and Israel have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons under the cover of a civilian nuclear program, but Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations, insisting that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

For years Israel has made no secret of its fears that Iran wishes to destroy the Jewish state. Israeli officials have repeatedly said that Israel will not rule out any option regarding the Iranian nuclear program.

Source: Xinhua