Israeli Media: Vienna Talks Worry "Israel", Push it Towards Empty Bravado
4 Min Read
Israeli media reports on the state of general anxiety the Vienna talks have generated in the occupied territories.
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Vienna talks between Iran and major world powers
Since the new round of the Vienna talks kicked off in the Austrian capital last week, the Israeli occupation did not hold back on voicing its concern over the path the talks are taking.
The occupation has been concerned over Iran possessing nuclear capabilities, which would adversely affect "Israel's" strategic situation, according to former Prime Minister Ehud Barak.
After the talks -- which have seen the involved parties making some progress -- were postponed until next week, and the delegations went back to their countries for consultations, Israeli occupation prime minister Naftali Bennett called on the countries negotiating with Tehran to "take a strong line and make it clear to Iran that they cannot enrich uranium and negotiate at the same time."
"Iran must begin to pay a price for its violations," he said.
Bennet, Barnea statements were not careful: Eiland
The former head of the Israeli National Security Council Giora Eiland asserted that the statements of Israeli PM Bennett and Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea were "not careful and not in place."
"Israel must keep a very low profile," Eiland said, which goes hand in hand with what former PM Ehud Barak's said on Yedioth Ahronoth, "Empty bravado is not the right way."
"When the head of the Mossad says his agency knows how to halt to the Iranian nuclear program and travels to the United States the next day, then he is asking the Americans to say: 'if the Mossad knows how to stop the Iranian nuclear program, what do you want from us?'"
"Bravado, arrogance, and having a big mouth about capabilities and intentions often indicate confusion, lack of policy, lack of discipline, and lack of understanding agreements on publicly disclosing foreign policy and security," Eiland said.
"Israel" needs to be very worried: Limor
Israeli military affairs analyst Yoav Limor said on "Israel Hayom" the United States could reach a bad agreement with Iran, underscoring that "Israel alone must determine its future strategy."
Limor also asserted that the occupation "needs to be very worried." "Although the administration is saying Tehran 'does not seem to be serious' about the nuclear talks in Vienna and that 'other options' were available if the talks fail, it sounds more like a toothless threat," the analyst wrote.
He also touched on the ongoing Israeli campaign to influence the deal but said the US administration is "very eager to sign a deal," so it could take Iran off its agenda and focus entirely on China and Russia.
In a nod to Iranian resilience, he noted that Tehran sees returning to the deal as an option rather than an obsession - unlike the US. "They have learned to live under economic sanctions and have impressively used their time to advance their nuclear program and other strategic objectives – namely manufacturing and methodically delivering precision missiles and drones to their various proxies across the region."
He called on the Israeli administration to at least demand transparency from the United States. "Not to mention clear answers. If a deal is finalized, what do they want it to include, and if not – what will happen? Are additional sanctions on the table, and are the Americans in any way willing to put the military option back on the table."
He saw that the United States' answer is no, meaning "Israel alone must determine its future strategy against the Iranian nuclear program."
"Anyone who wants to shoot, should shoot, not talk," he concluded.
