ERUSALEM: A top Israeli immigration official says tensions with Iran are causing some Jews to postpone plans to move to Israel.

Natan Sharansky, chairman of the Jewish Agency, a semi-governmental organisation that helps oversee immigration to Israel, told Israel Radio on Sunday that dozens of Jews who had already finalised their immigration plans are delaying their arrival by a few months, citing fears over an attack.

He accused the government of acting irresponsibly with heightened rhetoric about Iran. He says the chatter has “crossed all red lines” and hurt the government's deterrent capabilities.

Israeli officials accuse Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons, hinting about the possibility of a military strike.

Despite regional tensions, about 350 Jews from North America immigrated to Israel last week.—AP