Israel ramps up security talks with US to stave off Iran deal
After visits by both Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and national security adviser Eyal Hulata, Mossad Chief David Barnea is now in Washington to discuss the Iranian file.
The European Union's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell admitted yesterday, Sept. 5, that an agreement on a return to the Iran nuclear deal might not be reached as soon as he thought just last week. Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said today it is still too early to know whether Israel had managed to thwart the efforts to revive the pact.
On a visit to the Nevatim airbase, Lapid said, “If Iran keeps trying, it will discover Israel's long arm and capabilities. We will continue to act on all fronts against terrorism and against those who seek to harm us. As President [Joe] Biden and I agreed, we have full discretion to do whatever we deem appropriate to prevent the possibility of Iran becoming a nuclear threat.”
Lapid was referring to a statement made yesterday by US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides, who said that the White House assured Israel it will never seek to prevent it from protecting itself against Iran. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Nides said Biden had reassured Lapid in their phone call last week that the United States “will never allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon,” pledging, “We’ll never tie Israel’s hands.” Nides added, “We understand the aggression of Iran. [Biden] was very clear to the prime minister in that belief.” The ambassador said he was due to meet with Lapid last night to discuss the Iran portfolio.
A bipartisan senatorial/congressional delegation arrived over the weekend to Israel and met with Lapid yesterday. Two of its members — Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham — are longtime opponents of reviving the deal.
