“It was obvious to us that what was lying on the table was what we call a ‘bad agreement’ between Iran and the world powers.” I was told this on Nov. 25 by a senior Israeli Cabinet member. “I can testify that Israel has made an enormous effort, in all areas and on every level, to prevent the signing of that agreement. Signing it would mean endless regrets for generations to come. It would be a serious historic mistake, and it is not at all certain that Israel could have come to terms with it.”

He added, “That is why we have reason to be pleased, at least for now.”

Yes, that is the real Israeli position following the extension of negotiations between the world powers and Iran for another half a year. Outwardly, Israel is continuing its critical, suspicious and even hostile policy vis-a-vis the negotiations. Internally, the Israelis have allowed themselves to sigh in relief, at least for a short while. It hasn’t happened, at least not yet. The agreement that the Israelis consider to be so “terrible" hasn’t been signed, at least not yet.

What lies behind the ''enormous effort'' described by the Israeli Cabinet member?