News
Netanyahu and Obama avoid gaps over Iran at Washington policy forum
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama both addressed a policy forum in Washington this weekend and downplayed their differences over thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu has been sharply critical of the interim deal agreed last month in Geneva between the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) and Iran, pointing out that it allows Tehran some sanctions relief but does not require Iran to dismantle any of its centrifuges. However, during a video-link address to the Saban Forum yesterday, Netanyahu struck a conciliatory tone, saying “While Israel is prepared to do what is necessary to defend itself, we share President Obama’s preference to see Iran’s nuclear weapons programme end through diplomacy,” adding “A diplomatic solution is better than a military solution.”
US President Obama, addressing the forum in person, appeared to agree that Israel must maintain its right to defend itself against Iran’s nuclear threat. He said, “There are times where I… am going to have different tactical perspectives than the prime minister of Israel – and that is understandable,” adding “they [Israel] have to make sure that they are making their own assessments about what they need to do to protect themselves. And we respect that.”
Netanyahu also emphasised that in any final agreement with Iran, the international community must as a minimal requirement “demand a change to its [Iran’s] genocidal policy,” citing threats made by Iranian leaders towards Israel. Obama indicated agreement, emphasising that “We will not abide by any threats to our friends and allies in the region, and we’ve made that perfectly clear.” Obama added that in any final assessment, Iran would have to be permitted “modest” uranium enrichment, but assessed the chances of a successful final deal being brokered at not “more than 50-50.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s President Shimon Peres said yesterday that he would be prepared to meet Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani if it would help to ease regional tensions.