Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich conveyed Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, aligning with the Trump administration’s stance. Israeli officials, including Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz, expressed the necessity of military readiness and denounced Iran’s escalating uranium stockpile, indicating a willingness to act independently to thwart Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The urgency to address the Iranian threat is acknowledged amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted that Israel is aligned with the Trump administration in opposing the Iranian nuclear threat. In a gathering of his Religious Zionism Party’s Knesset faction, he affirmed, “We are committed to Iran not being a nuclear power,” though he refrained from elaborating on U.S. strategies regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran has significantly increased its stock of near-weapons grade uranium, enough potentially for six nuclear bombs. Opposition leader Yair Lapid echoed concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions, indicating Israel’s commitment to obstruct Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities through both diplomatic and military efforts.
Lapid stated, “We will work with the Americans on this,” while also reserving Israel’s right to act independently to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power, fearing it could ignite a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. U.S. President Donald Trump recently urged Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to negotiate a new nuclear deal, cautioning against military repercussions if negotiations fail.
Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz emphasized the necessity for Israel to prepare for military action if required, reiterating that Iran must not attain military nuclear capabilities. He remarked that while the region is in a precarious position, Israel must remain ready to respond to any threats.
Gideon Sa’ar, the Israeli Foreign Minister, warned that time is running out for action against Iran’s nuclear program, citing the enrichment of uranium sufficient for several bombs. He acknowledged the limited probability of successful negotiations but stressed the catastrophic consequences for Israel should Tehran succeed in acquiring nuclear weapons.
Sa’ar also highlighted recent incidents of Iranian arms smuggling into territories in Judea and Samaria, where Israeli forces have been conducting counter-terrorism operations. In a discussion with U.N. representative Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, he expressed concern over Iranian support for Hezbollah, stressing Lebanon’s potential to break free from Iranian influence.
The Trump administration has renewed its ‘maximum pressure’ policy on Iran, declaring that the long-standing tolerance of Iran’s destabilizing behaviors in the region would no longer continue. The White House stated, “We will never let that happen,” referring to the threat posed by Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and sponsoring of terrorism across the region.
The urgency surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions is a primary concern for Israel, with leaders reinforcing their commitment to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power. Collaboration with the United States and military readiness are emphasized, amid increasing tensions and military capabilities observed within Tehran. The statements from key Israeli figures underline a clear strategy to address the potential threats posed by Iran’s actions, advocating for both diplomatic engagements and preparedness for military action if necessary.
Original Source: www.clevelandjewishnews.com
