Naftali Bennett says a diplomatic solution to Iranian nuclear dispute is preferable, but reiterated unilateral military threats against Iran.
Prime Minister of Israel has informed the United Nations nuclear inspector that a peaceful settlement to the dispute over Tehran’s nuclear activities would be preferable. Naftali Bennett, nevertheless, said that Tel Aviv may attack unilaterally, as a potential alternative, renewing a long-standing stern warning to undertake a surprise attack.
Following appeals from Western countries for the IAEA to reprimand Tehran, the Bennett’s notice was made. The calls were in response to Iran’s refusal to respond to claims about some unannounced activities in Iran.
This conflict has cast a pall over diplomats’ so far futile efforts to resuscitate the nuclear agreement with Tehran. Back in 2018, US government announced unilateral withdrawal from the original agreement.
Iran has since enriched uranium on higher purity levels than expected in response, a procedure that might facilitate reaching bomb material. Tehran claims that its nuclear programs are peaceful and that it has no military intentions.
Bennett emphasized to Grossi how critical it is for the IAEA to send a clear and decisive signal to Tehran in its course of action. “While it prefers diplomacy in order to deny Iran the possibility of developing nuclear weapons, Israel reserves the right to self-defence and attack Iran to stop its nuclear program if the international community fails to do so within the relevant time-frame,” Israeli PM’s office said in a statement.
Grossi’s office did not respond to a request for comment right away. Iranian senior negotiator in nuclear talks responded in Norwegian media that Tel Aviv will be able to strike Iran just in “dreams.”
“And if they do have such a dream, they will never wake up,” Bagheri Kani said during an official meeting to Oslo.
Bennett on Netanyahu’s Steps
Iran accuses Israel of a long-running murder campaign aimed against military officials and nuclear experts engaged in the country’s nuclear project. Israel has remained silent in the face of such allegations.
Furthermore, Iranian foreign minister indicated a day later that his country would respond “immediately” to any adventure. Amirabdollahian stressed that “any political action by the United States and the three European countries in the agency (IAEA) will undoubtedly be met with a proportionate, effective and immediate response from Iran.”
Iranian foreign minister also lambasted IAEA head’s visit to Tel Aviv, charging the agency with a biased step. Israel is the main global threat to the Iranian nuclear program and a major disruptor to the negotiations.
Israeli modern military sought to show its tactical depth days ago by holding an air force assault drill over the Mediterranean Sea. The force, which possesses nuclear weapons, has also confirmed the dispatch of a navy submarine to the Red Sea, which is an unusual occurrence.
However, several security experts wonder whether Tel Aviv has the basic heft to inflict long-term damage on Iran’s nuclear sites, which are spread out and under serious defense system. The multi-front combat that may ensue with Iranian troops and their regional partners is more than a simple matter.
The policy of Naftali Bennett in regard with the Iranian nuclear program is not far from his predecessor’s failed strategy. During the past two decades, Netanyahu as the main leader of Israeli policies kept threatening Iran with military action. The result was a nuclear deal against its will in 2015.
Trump’s withdrawal from the deal only pushed Iran through more advanced nuclear program. Tehran is currently enriching uranium at 60% purity. “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.”
