Gantz: Iran Main Topic of Discussion in Washington
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As the nuclear talks in Vienna progress, Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz says that “Israel” is not part of the negotiations, but it provides Intel information.
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Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz
Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz said, during an interview on Thursday for Ynet, that “an alternative solution should be prepared if the Vienna negotiations between Iran and world powers fail.”
“If no progress on the issue is made, there will eventually come a time when the world, the region, and the State of Israel will have no choice but to act, and it could happen," he stressed.
The Israeli Security Minister expressed his confidence that US President Joe Biden would keep his promise and will not let Iran obtain a nuclear weapon.
"I believe that the United States as a world leader will stand behind its promise and responsibility... I don't think we are alone," he said.
Gantz commented on his upcoming trip to Washington, affirming that Iran would be the main topic of discussion.
The Israeli Minister will travel to Washington next week for a series of meetings with top American officials. He is scheduled to meet with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
According to his office, the Minister will travel to the United States late Wednesday night and will "conduct a series of meetings centered on security issues" in Washington.
“I am going in order to support international efforts, and I plan to allow the Israeli capability [to strike Iran],” Gantz stressed.
"'Israel' does not need the US"
Responding to a question on whether "Israel" will coordinate with Washington before it launches any strike against Iran, Gantz made it clear that Israel does not need to coordinate with the US to defend itself, stressing that "Washington will always back us."
He also commented on whether “Israel” is sending a message to Iran through its $5 billion purchase of weapons by saying, "This is an Israeli duty. We must provide ourselves with intelligence, defense, and offensive capabilities."
In that vein, the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post said that "Iran feels strong." In its position, the newspaper relied on a report by the "Tony Blair Institute," which reported that "the new Iranian elite poses a great challenge to the West... which means that Iran may clearly and explicitly broadcast exactly what it will do, instead of hiding behind its old duplicity."
Hysterical Bennett calls for halting Vienna talks
On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken about the ongoing nuclear talks in Vienna, calling for the immediate cessation of the talks.
Bennett emphasized that Iran is using "nuclear blackmail" as a negotiating tactic and urged world powers to halt the talks immediately and take tough measures against Iran.
In response to Bennett's call to halt negotiations, an Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stated that the Iranian delegation in the Vienna Talks will not take orders from the prime minister of the Israeli occupation.
On his account, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein AmirAbdollahian tweeted on Wednesday night that the talks in Vienna were "proceeding with seriousness," with the removal of sanctions being the fundamental priority. The Foreign Minister affirmed that a "good deal" was within reach "if the West shows goodwill."
