The Israeli political-security echelon will in the coming days focus on one thing and one thing only: to make a last attempt to stop, or at least improve, the emerging nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.
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Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Defense Minister Benny Gantz (who will arrive in Washington on Friday) and the heads of the defense systems cleared their schedules to speak with world leaders and counterparts around the world as well as the media and opinion shapers.
Israel understands that its last attempt might not prove successful; Washington seems determined to reach an agreement and is convinced that the looming deal is good, despite protests from Jerusalem.
There are currently three main approaches in Israel with regard to the matter: First, led by Mossad chief David Barnea, opposes the pact completely. Second, led by Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the head of the IDF's Operations Directorate and head of intelligence research Brig.-Gen. Amit Saar, says that even a bad deal is better than none at all. And third, led by Lapid, says that Israel is not necessarily opposed to such an agreement, meaning if improvements are introduced to the draft, it might even welcome it.
Barnea believes that the Iranians cannot be trusted, because have a history of deception, so they are likely to deceive again. He is also concerned about the relatively close expiration date of the agreement (partially by 2026 and fully by 2030) and the enormous funds that will flow into Iran after the sanctions are lifted, which will be used for nuclear research, missile development and terrorism.
Haliva and Saar claim that the pact will indeed limit Iran. If renewed, Tehran will give up all of its enriched uranium, and by definition, its ability to create a nuclear bomb. Even if the Islamist Republic plans to violate the agreement, it would take months to do so, which would give countries enough time to respond militarily, diplomatically and economically. They believe that without any agreement at all, Iran could develop an atomic bomb at any moment and catch Israel and the world off guard.
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Lapid believes that there is still time, albeit little, for diplomatic efforts, at least when it comes to improving the pact. In any case, he clarified, Israel is not party to the agreement, and as such, is not obligated to it and reserves its right to use whatever means necessary to protect itself.
Israel has also urged the US to demand Iran explain the traces of uranium found at three of its undeclared sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This information was discovered as part of nuclear archives stolen from Iran by the Mossad. The fear is that Tehran is conducting clandestine nuclear activities behind closed doors.
As mentioned, Israel will devote the next few days to extensive diplomatic and media efforts. The chances are low, but it is worth the effort.
