Maj. Gen. Yossi Baidatz, head of research for military intelligence, warned parliament's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that Tehran was getting steadily closer to developing a weapon.
According to him, Iran's current regime is not in danger of collapsing and may go nuclear by the end of 2009. "Iran's conservative sect is gaining power. The Iranian regime is faced with internal issues, but there is no threat to its existence or stability. If nothing stops Iran, the worst-case scenario is that by the end of 2009, Iran will have a nuclear weapon," a participant in the closed session quoted Baidatz as saying.
Regarding Syria, he said Damascus continues to strengthen its military capabilities by acquiring Russian-made anti-tank weapons and anti-aircraft systems. According to YNET, he added that the Syrian regime continues to transfer weapons from Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Sources: Albawaba