CAIRO, December 11, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – Israeli Premier Ariel Sharon has given the green light to Israeli army for a possible strike against Iran's nuclear installations in March, The Sunday Times reported on December 11.

The order went through the Israeli defense ministry to the chief of staff, according to the British daily.

It quoted sources inside special forces command as saying that "G" readiness — the highest stage — for an operation was announced last week.

"Israel — and not only Israel — cannot accept a nuclear Iran," Sharon said recently. "We have the ability to deal with this and we’re making all the necessary preparations to be ready for such a situation."

The Times quoted Israeli military sources as saying if a military operation is approved, Israel will use air and ground forces against several nuclear targets in the hope of stalling Tehran’s nuclear program for years.

A "massive" Israeli intelligence operation has been underway since Iran was designated the "top priority for 2005", according to security sources.