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Zionist Union says ‘no opposition’ over Iran as deal debate continues
The Zionist Union yesterday released a position paper over Iran, in which it declared unity with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government over concerns regarding the nascent nuclear deal under discussion.
Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) agreed a framework to a comprehensive deal two weeks ago, paving the way for negotiations to begin towards a long-term accord, which must be agreed by June. However, the outline has been heavily criticised by Netanyahu and other senior government officials. The document issued yesterday indicates that the Zionist Union shares such concerns, stating, “Some of the parameters as they appear in the joint communiqué [of Iran and the P5+1] are problematic and pose real potential risks in the long term.”
Like Netanyahu, the Zionist Union document insists that sanctions on Iran must only be gradually removed and must be intricately linked to Iranian compliance with inspections and a general rolling back of its nuclear programme. The Zionist Union paper also makes clear, “there is no [division in Israel between] coalition or opposition.” A spokesperson for Zionist Union leader Isaac Herzog said the document was the result of consultations with party members and Iran experts. It is thought that former-Military Intelligence chief Amos Yadlin, the party’s candidate for defence minister during last month’s election, is largely responsible for the paper.
However, the document does urge “a strategic, intimate and in-depth discussion with the United States … before the completion of a final agreement with Iran,” which would grant Israel a “green light” for a future military operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities, if agreement is violated.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu yesterday responded to US President Barack Obama’s weekend claim that despite his opposition to the emerging deal, Israel’s Prime Minister offered no alternative. Netanyahu suggested a deal which would “roll back” Iran’s nuclear capability and link an end to sanctions with “an end of Iran’s aggression in the region, its worldwide terrorism and its threats to annihilate Israel.”