Gantz: Netanyahu hurt Israeli security by pushing for JCPOA withdrawal

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Agencies
24 Oct 2022 18:59
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Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz attacks the leader of the Israeli opposition, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Security Minister Benny Gantz (file photo)

During a pre-election conference that took place on Monday, Israeli Minister of Securit Benny Gantz bashed the policies of the former Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that were damaging to "Israel's" fight against Iran's Nuclear Program.

Netanyahu's actions regarding Iran's nuclear program “were detrimental to our battle against Iran’s nuclear program," Gantz said, adding that Iran's nuclear issue is “the greatest strategic challenge” that faces "Tel Aviv".

The Security Minister disclosed that the former PM did not consult the Israeli security establishment before pushing then-American President Donald Trump into withdrawing from the JCPOA in 2018.

Gantz added that "Netanyahu’s decision to speak in [the US] Congress in 2015 despite the opposition of [then] president Obama,” is what initiated the mishandling of the issue said the Minister, adding that the decision "created a fault line unprecedented in Israel-US relations.”

Despite having no backup plan after pulling out from the nuclear deal, Netanyahu did not construct any “diplomatic, economic or military” preparations said Gantz, noting that the former PM swapped actions with "papers and public relations shows.”

Gantz and Netanyahu previously exchanged insults publicly and declared that no meeting between the two will occur, despite previous suggestions that the two might head to form a joint coalition after the elections on November 1.

Gantz stated that the next government would have to deal with problems created by the former PM, adding that his criticism aims to ensure that the same mistakes are not repeated and that the keys aren't given back to "the person who led us to the current situation.”

A “broad and stable government” will be able to resolve the Iran issue if it acted “responsibly” said the Minster, adding, “If there is a need, we will act against Iran."

The Security Minister listed his agenda if he assumes the position of the PM, stating, “First, we must stick to orderly work processes, cabinet discussions, discussions with professionals, and strategic decision-making years in advance," adding that the government also needs to establish and approve a budget allocation for a multi-year "defense" plan, which will allow the entity to "prepare for all the large challenges" it is against.

Gantz continued that the next point on his agenda is to strengthen ties with the United States as it serves to “maintain our security superiority," also adding that he would press for a "better agreement" between the West and Iran within a renewed nuclear deal however would push for “an effective plan B led by the US" in the possibility that a new deal could not be reached, stating that "Israel" would carry out “a preemptive strike against Iran" in an “extreme scenario" if all else fail.

An “extremist government simply cannot deal with these challenges,” Gantz said in his final point, aiming at Netanyahu's right-wing bloc which includes the far-right Religious Zionism party.