“The greatest threat against the State of Israel is Iran,” the nation’s Premier Naftali Bennett warns, ahead of tomorrow’s resumption of nuclear negotiations with the hardline Islamic Republic and world powers in Vienna tomorrow.
By Erin Viner
“Our position is well-known and clear: An agreement – according to the apparent terms – will damage the ability to deal with the nuclear program,” said Bennett at the start of his weekly Cabinet meeting, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), in regard to international efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
“Whoever thinks that an agreement will increase stability is mistaken. It will temporarily delay enrichment but all of us in the region will pay a heavy, disproportionate price for it,” declared the Israeli leader, going on to charge that, “In recent weeks, precisely during the negotiations, Iran is increasing its aggression and repeatedly using terrorism in the region, as you all have seen. This is how you conduct negotiations, Tehran-style.”
Israel has consistently called on world powers to maintain a credible military option while pursuing an agreement with Iran – which has repeatedly threatened to annihilate the Jewish State.
Reiterating that his government is “currently closing gaps and building up Israel’s military strength for years and even decades to come,” Bennett underscored that Jerusalem “will maintain freedom of action in any case, with or without an agreement.”
Prime Minister Bennett later held a telephone conversation with United States President Joe Biden.
The two leaders “discussed regional challenges, especially the growing Iranian aggression, and the steps to block the Iranian nuclear program,” said the PMO.
Prime Minister Bennett also congratulated President Biden on the last week’s raid in Syria that led to the death of Islamic State leader Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi al-Quraishi, saying that “the world is now a safer place thanks to the courageous operation of the US forces.”
They also discussed rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
A White House statement said that President Biden also emphasized to Bennett his “full support” for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, for which the Israeli leader expressed thanks.
Prime Minister Bennett also thanked President Biden for “his steadfast support of Israel as well as the support of his entire administration,” said the PMO statement.
The US leader said he is looking forward to visiting Israel with First Lady Jill Biden later this year following an invitation from Prime Minister Bennett, the White House added.