As Iran and world powers seem to be nearing the renewal of the nuclear deal, Prime Minister Yair Lapid has yet to express his opposition to the agreement to the American leadership.
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Sources in Jerusalem and Washington say that Lapid is expected to talk to President Biden and present his position, but at this stage, no date has been set for the conversation. Lapid has not spoken to Secretary of State Antony Blinken either, with whom he often conversed in the past. Blinken is among the biggest proponents of the pact.
One of the officials assured that the leaders would speak about the matter eventually, stressing that senior administration officials, such as National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, met with both Defense Minister Benny Gantz and National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata who are visiting Washington.
Gantz met Sullivan on Friday, during which the two discussed the nuclear deal and "exchanged views on ways to deepen the US-Israel security partnership" and "US commitment to ensure Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon."
The defense minister stressed that Israel opposes the emerging agreement and highlighted several crucial aspects to prevent the Islamist republic from developing nuclear weapons. He also pointed to the importance of maintaining and promoting reliable offensive and defensive operation capabilities in the face of the Iranian threat.
At the same time, he made it clear that Israel is not bound by the deal and reserves the freedom of action to protect itself.
The parties understand that even if the pact is renewed, the US and Israel will continue joined efforts against Iran.
"A military threat carries enormous weight that can create deterrence even if there is a nuclear agreement in place," one official said.
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