Israel resolute over nuclear deal

BY ADAM MOSES

Israel will not be bound by an interim nuclear deal between the United States and Iran. US officials have not denied speculation, but the Biden administration has made it clear it will not allow Iran to get a nuclear weapon.

Israel has repeatedly stated its options including a military strike. The Israeli government has not altered its position on the 2015 nuclear deal and militarily will do everything to defend itself.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the threat of Iran during a visit to Israel Aerospace Industries this week where he viewed strategic defensive and offensive capabilities for the military. He told his weekly cabinet meeting: “We are determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Our vigorous opposition to returning to the original nuclear agreement contributed to the American decision not to do so. We have made it clear to our American friends that more limited agreements are also unacceptable to us. I have clarified to them and to the world that we will do whatever we need to do in order to defend ourselves, with our own forces, against any threat.”

Netanyahu spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week on the pressing matter.

US and European diplomats, meantime, have attempted to halt Tehran's nuclear program since the breakdown of the eightyear old nuclear deal. The IAEA recently announced it was closing two investigations over Iranian nuclear activity. Two others remain open.

US intelligence believes it would take about 12 days to enrich uranium to a military level of 90%.

Netanyahu has cited that 90% enrichment is a red line during recent visits to European capitals.