Adding IRGC to 'terror list' dangerous move: Israeli media
After Bennett and Lapid urged the White House not to remove IRGC from the terrorist list, Israeli media claims that the Gulf States followed suit.
Israeli media reported a source close to the US administration as saying that "Former President Donald Trump's decision in 2019 to put Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) on the list was a dangerous and short-sighted move."
The same source added that the move prioritized rhetoric over the security of the US and its partnership, stressing that including the IRGC on the list had increased Iran's hostility.
In the same context, the Israeli Channel KAN reported, on Sunday evening, that "the Gulf countries have called on the White House not to remove the IRGC from the list.
On his account, Channel 12's political analyst Amit Segal affirmed that “Israel” is not alone in calling on Biden to refrain from removing IRGC from the terrorist list."
Earlier today, Israeli media reported that the Israeli PM referred to the Vienna Talks in his opening remarks in the government's weekly meeting, saying that Iran's demanded during the nuclear talks "to remove the IRGC from the list of terrorist organizations."
Bennett further said that "there is a determination to sign the nuclear agreement with Iran at almost any cost", adding that "even if this unfortunate decision is made," then "Israel" will continue to treat the IRGC "as a terrorist organization."
The Israeli Prime Minister stressed, "We are very concerned about the US' intention to respond to Iran's cheeky demand."
For its part, Israeli newspaper "Israel" Hayom said that the head of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee, Ram ben Barak, conducted an interview with Israeli 103 FM regarding the latest Iranian cyberattack against Mossad chief David Barnea wherein he attacked US policies in light of the impending signing of a revival of the JCPOA.
He added that it is difficult to understand the latest US policies, saying he believes they are making a mistake, but it seems that someone wants to reach a deal at any price.
Even if the deal collapses
The Israeli daily expected that "Israel" will continue to make strong statements against the Biden administration's intent to remove the IRGC from its terror list, saying that even if this leads to foiling the deal in Congress, "Israel" will continue to publicly oppose the nuclear deal.
It noted that it is expected that the Israeli opposition will make it harder for the deal to be approved in Congress, and that "Israel's" political leadership believes removing the IRGC from the list is "unethical", and that it jeopardizes the lives of Israelis and others.
The US administration is currently considering the removal of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps from its terror blacklist in exchange for a commitment from Iran to "de-escalate" in the region, according to Axios.
One of the remaining points in the Vienna Talks is the removal of IRGC's designation as a terror group. The terror designation means that criminal penalties would be imposed on anyone doing business with any individual or entity connected to the IRGC.