BICOM

Israeli leaders from across the political spectrum have sharply criticised the imminent long-term nuclear deal with Iran. At the same time, Israel’s government is weighing its next move and opposition leaders have begun to criticise Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the overall diplomatic process.

Iran and the P5+1 powers (US, UK, France, Russia, China and Germany) remain locked in negotiations to conclude a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s nuclear development. Following  17 consecutive days of talks in Vienna, it was thought that a deal would be announced yesterday. Although this did not materialise, a forthcoming announcement is expected. The Times and Telegraph say that last-minute haggling remains, especially over Iran’s request to lift a 2007 United Nations conventional arms embargo.

Israeli leaders have appeared unified in condemning the deal. Netanyahu said on Sunday that the accord “Paves Iran’s way to many nuclear bombs and gives it hundreds of billions of dollars for its terrorism… thereby endangering the peace of the entire world.” Yesterday, Zionist Union head and opposition leader Isaac Herzog commented on the “horrible deal, one that will go down as a tragedy of the ages.” He was joined by Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid, who said that the agreement “endangers the security of Israel and the world’s security.”

Meanwhile, Director General of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold indicated that Israel will turn its attention to US Congress, which must approve any deal. He told the Times of Israel that Israeli officials “should inform members of Congress what Israel thinks” in a respectful manner.