“It’s not too late; there’s still time for damage control of the nuclear deal reached with Iran,” newly elected Zionist Camp Knesset member Maj. Gen. (Res.) Eyal Ben-Reuven said. Ben-Reuven, who is expected to serve on the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on behalf of the Zionist Camp, told Al-Monitor, with reference to the progress made in the Lausanne nuclear talks, that a situation where Iran has nuclear weapons would be “intolerable for Israel.” As to the coalition negotiations, he believes that his faction should not enter a unity government led by Likud leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ben-Reuven has served in numerous senior posts within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including as commander of an armor battalion, head of a field branch and deputy commander of the Northern Command, for which he still serves as a reserve.

He started his political career in 2013 at the left-wing Meretz Party, wishing to voice his clear support of an agreement with the Palestinians, ending the occupation. Shortly before the March 17 elections, Ben-Reuven was ''recruited'' by Zionist Camp co-leader Tzipi Livni to join the party, reinforcing its military-affiliated leadership.

The text of the interview follows: