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Netanyahu, Herzog meet to coordinate as security cabinet rejects Iran deal
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met yesterday with opposition leader Isaac Herzog to discuss the Iran nuclear deal and to formulate a unified response.
Both leaders were unequivocal in their condemnation of the deal after its announcement yesterday. Netanyahu told reporters that it was a “stunning historical mistake” which makes the world “a much more dangerous place today than it was yesterday.” In particular, Netanyahu said that “Iran will get a jackpot,” following the lifting of sanctions, “which will enable it to continue to pursue its aggression and terror in the region.” Herzog agreed that the accord represents a bad agreement and argued that it gives concessions to a country which “funds, trains and nurtures terrorist organisations.”
Netanyahu updated Herzog on briefings which the cabinet had been given by Israel’s top security officials earlier in the day, outlining the security implications of the deal. According to Haaretz, the cabinet was told that after the deal’s limitations expire, the agreement could pose a serious threat to Israel’s security. Israel’s security cabinet also discussed the nuclear accord and voted unanimously to reject the agreement. Netanyahu commented, that “Israel is not bound by this deal with Iran because Iran continues to seek our destruction,” adding that “We will always defend ourselves.”
Netanyahu told Herzog that because the deal represents “the most significant national interest, it’s important to present the world with a unified stance.” Herzog concurred and said that he is “enlisting to do everything for the security of the State of Israel in the new situation that has been created.” Herzog said that he is planning to visit the United States as soon as possible in order to “do everything within our power to improve our security.” He is expected to meet members of US Congress, who have 60 days to consider the deal. Reflecting a sense of Israeli unanimity over the agreement, Herzog added, “Even if there are disputes within, Israel knows how to unite and fight together for security.”