Israel’s Intelligence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that Israel would act militarily if Iran were to attain nuclear weapons.
Speaking in Tokyo on October 26, Katz addressed nuclear Iran, confirming that the Jewish State would directly respond to a nuclear Iran if President Trump’s new efforts, mainly sanctions, do not deter the Islamic Republic from obtaining nuclear weapons.
He stated, “If international efforts led these days by US President Trump don’t help stop Iran attaining nuclear capabilities, Israel will act militarily by itself. There are changes that can be made [to the agreement]to ensure that they will never have the ability to have a nuclear weapon.” Speaking specifically on Iran’s military presence in Syria, he reiterated that Israel “will not allow Iran to transform Syria into forward base sea harbors, air bases and Shiite militias. We will act together with the United States and other countries in the world until they stop the ballistic missiles that threaten Israel.”
He called on the Japanese government to “support steps led by President Trump to change the nuclear agreement,” and called on Japan to consider strongly before supporting Iran’s economy, stating: “The question of whether Japanese companies will begin to work in Iran or not is a very important question.”
Israel continues its efforts to gain support in combatting a nuclear Iran in the international community, mainly by leaving the nuclear deal. Iran continues to build and improve its missile capabilities alongside its nuclear program, openly calling for the destruction of the State of Israel.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei insisted its defense capabilities are not negotiable stating “The defense capabilities and strength of the country are not negotiable or up for haggling.”
Last week, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced that it would accelerate its missile program despite increased sanctions from the United States, releasing a statement: “Iran’s ballistic missile program will expand and it will continue with more speed in reaction to Trump’s hostile approach towards this Revolutionary [Guards] organization.”
It additionally accused Israel of “wicked policies in the region,” and claimed sanctions by the United States on the Islamic Republic only show America’s “failure,” stating: “Imposing cruel sanctions against the Guards and hostile approach of the rogue and brute president [Trump] shows the failure of America and the Zionist regime’s [Israel] wicked policies in the region.”
Originally posted on Kehila News.
