International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, Nov. 18, 2002

A top Iraqi leader has issued a veiled threat to launch strikes against Israel if attacked by the US and Britain, according to Monday's edition of the Independent newspaper in London.

In an interview with Britain's ITN television news, Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, said that any military action against Iraq would endanger not just Britain and America but also their "friends" in the region, taken by many as a reference to Israel.

Asked what the Iraqi strategy might be if, as suspected, it is militarily weaker than it was in the 1991 Gulf War, Aziz replied that his government was "capable of defending our nation."

While he did not mention Israel by name, Aziz added: "We are an old nation and we could survive. But I tell you, if the US and UK wage a war against Iraq, the consequences will be very bad to them and their friends in the region.

"If they don't care about their friends, then that gives you an idea about their real intentions. This is going to be devastating, not only to Iraq, but to them also. The aggressors will also suffer a great deal of losses."

The comments come after a senior Palestinian legislator told a rally this weekend that the "aggression on Palestine and Iraq is the same." The event, organized by the pro-Iraqi Arab Liberation Front in Hebron, took place to honor the families of four men who, according to the military, were killed en route to carry out a terrorist attack against Israelis in September. Each received a $10,000 donation in honor of their sons - as has been customary practice by Iraq throughout the intifada.

Abbas Zaki, a senior Fatah official and member of the Palestinian Legislative Council told the families, "The link between Palestine and Iraq, which has been consolidated by the leader Saddam Hussein, is inseparable," according to Sunday's Jerusalem Post.

At least 50 families from the Hebron area have reportedly benefited from similar handouts from the Iraqi leader.

Meanwhile, Iran - anxious not to be outbid by their long-term Iraqi rivals - are reported to have been channeling millions of dollars to militant Islamic terrorist groups throughout the disputed territories. According to Israeli officials, Iranian cash may have funded Friday's terrorist ambush in Hebron that claimed 12 Israeli lives, and wounded 14 more.