An Israeli academic says the time before new US President Barack Obama is sworn in is an "attractive date" for Israel to attack Iran.

Historian Benny Morris had earlier declared in an op-ed article for The New York Times that Israel would likely to strike Iran between Nov. 5 and Jan. 19, the day before Obama is sworn in.

Speaking to The Jerusalem Post this week he said that he continues to believe that Israel will attack Iran during the same period.

"There is certainly a friendly president in the White House until January 20. There is no certainty over what will happen after that, in which direction the wind will blow," he added.

"So long as Iran makes [nuclear] progress, we are under pressure, if we plan on doing something. Iran is supposed to purchase advanced anti-aircraft guns from Russia at the start of 2009. All of these point to the fact that if the US provides support, an Israeli strike is reasonable," Morris stated.

He even believes that Israel could have already set a date for Iran war.

MGH/HAR