Economy Minister Naftali Bennett announced that Israel is not beholden to the deal signed in Geneva between Western nations and Iran. Bennett, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and other cabinet minister have voiced their objections to the deal before the weekend announcement that a deal was reached, explaining Israel will not view itself obligated to such a deal. Following the announced breakthrough of the deal over the weekend, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said “Iran got exactly what it wanted”.

Following is an excerpt from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s remarks at the start of the weekly

“What was achieved last night in Geneva is not an historic agreement; it is an historic mistake. Today the world has become a much more dangerous place because the most dangerous regime in the world has taken a significant step toward attaining the most dangerous weapon in the world. For the first time, the world’s leading powers have agreed to uranium enrichment in Iran while ignoring the UN Security Council decisions that they themselves led. Sanctions that required many years to put in place contain the best chance for a peaceful solution. These sanctions have been given up in exchange for cosmetic Iranian concessions that can be cancelled in weeks. This agreement and what it means endanger many countries including, of course, Israel. Israel is not bound by this agreement. The Iranian regime is committed to the destruction of Israel and Israel has the right and the obligation to defend itself, by itself, against any threat. As Prime Minister of Israel, I would like to make it clear: Israel will not allow Iran to develop a military nuclear capability.”

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon, visiting in Canada stated “The agreement is not an achievement for the West but surrender to the charm offensive and Iranian deceit aimed at gaining more time.”

President Shimon Peres stated “Last night a deal was signed between the P5+1 and Iran. This is an interim deal. The success or failure of the deal will be judged by results, not by words. I would like to say to the Iranian people: You are not our enemies and we are not yours. There is a possibility to solve this issue diplomatically. It is in your hands. Reject terrorism. Stop the nuclear program. Stop the development of long-range missiles. Israel like others in the international community prefers a diplomatic solution. But I want to remind everyone of what President Obama said, and what I have personally heard from other leaders. The international community will not tolerate a nuclear Iran. And if the diplomatic path fails, the nuclear option will be prevented by other means. The alternative is far worse.”

Minister Bennett expressed his concerns over the “very bad agreement” along with others, despite steadfast promises for Israel’s future security from US President Barak Obama and others.

Minister of Intelligence & Strategic Affairs Dr. Yuval Steinitz stated a much better deal could have been forced onto Iran.

Shas leader Aryeh Deri called the agreement a “very bad deal” along with Yahadut Hatorah’s Meir Porush. Shas’ Eli Yishai added “it appears economic interests take priority over existential interests…”

Minister of Energy & Water Silvan Shalom said “it is not a good agreement to put it mildly.”

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) that the agreement results in a new reality, one that places “the future of the State of Israel entirely in our hands.”

Finance Minister Yair Lapid was critical of the agreement too, citing it does not even compel Iran to dismantle centrifuges.

Alternatively, Meretz leader MK Zahava Gal-On called the agreement with Iran “an achievement not just for the Americans, but for Israel too.”

MK (Labor) Dr. Nachman Shai, who spoke with Israel Radio on Sunday morning 21 Kislev 5774, stated “Even if it is a bad agreement it is still an agreement”.

These prophetic words uttered by Shai explain a great deal regarding how many Israeli politicians view the Geneva initiative as well as the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the PA (Palestinian Authority).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)