A position paper that calls for Israel to initiate talks with the United States, to avoid the possibility that Washington and Tehran may conclude a "package deal" excluding Israel, has recently grabbed the attention of senior ministerial officials.

Prepared by the Reut Institute, the document warns of the possibility that an agreement between the United States and Iran may allow the latter to retain some of its nuclear capabilities - particularly the ability to enrich uranium - and thus present Israel with a "strategic surprise."

As such, "Israel must consider raising the matter of a deal with Iran in its talks with the United States ... The more Israel offers creative alternatives to blocking Iran's nuclear ambitions, the greater the chances that the United States will include it in its decision-making."