JERUSALEM, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- The UN nuclear watchdog head Mohammed ElBaradei is expected to bring the idea of a nuclear-free Middle East on the table on Wednesday during his visit in Israel, the Ha'aretz daily reported.

    Elbaradei, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), will try to persuade Israel to take part in an international conference under IAEA patronage to discuss the establishment of a nuclear-free Middle East, the report said.

    ElBaradei will meet in Tel Aviv with Gideon Frank, head of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, in a scheduled Wednesday meeting to discuss nuclear issue.

    He will also raise the idea of the IAEA sending inspectors to monitor Israel's nuclear activities, the newspaper said.

    "I would like to see Israel supporting the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty," ElBaradei said on Tuesday, adding that he would like to see Israel sign an additional agreement committing itto disclose information on any potential nuclear-related exports.

    However, the IAEA director said he did not intend to push the Jewish state on the nuclear issue.

    "It's not a question of pressure. I have no power to pressure," he said on his arrival in Israel.

    Israel strongly objects to any international inspections of its nuclear facility in Dimona, although it does allow IAEA inspections at a small research reactor at Nahal Soreq, near Yavneh.

    Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said before Elbaradei's arrival that Israel will stick to its ambiguity policy on nuclear issue, calling the policy has proven itself.

    ElBaradei arrived in Israel Tuesday for a two-day visit, during which he will meet with Sharon and Health Minister Dan Naveh. Enditem¡¡