Israel hints it may not engage Biden on Iran nuclear strategy

[DonViejo]

Source: Reuters/MSN



By Dan Williams 8 hrs ago

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel held out the possibility on Tuesday it would not engage with U.S. President Joe Biden on strategy regarding the Iranian nuclear programme if he returns to a 2015 deal with Tehran.

The remarks by Israel's envoy to Washington came at a touchy juncture for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Up for re-election next month, he has revived tough rhetoric on Iran while not yet having any direct communication with Biden.

The new administration has said it wants a U.S. return to the 2015 nuclear deal - which former President Donald Trump quit, restoring sanctions on Tehran - if the Iranians recommit to their own obligations. Washington has also said it wants to confer with allies in the Middle East about such moves.

"We will not be able to be part of such a process if the new administration returns to that deal," Ambassador Gilad Erdan told Israel's Army Radio.


Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/middleeast/top-stories/israel-hints-it-may-not-engage-biden-on-iran-nuclear-strategy/ar-BB1dIrlr?pfr=1+

[roamer65]

1. Then cut aid to Israel.

[Mosby]

11. Do you think thats going to change anything?

Iran's nuclear program poses very real risks to Israel, a country that the leaders of Iran threaten almost every day.

Just like with Saddam and Assads nuclear program, the Israelis will do what they need to do.

Can you imagine how different the middle east would be if Saddam Hussain and Bashar Assad had nukes?

[roamer65]

12. Bombing Iran?

That would start a large Middle East war.

We will definitely sit that one out.

[Mosby]

13. Yeah, breeder reactors, centrifuge facilities.

Just like they did with saddam and Bashar's nuclear weapon programs.

This threat isn't abstract for them, its a matter of life and death.

Eta it won't start a war because Iran lacks the ability to fight with Israel. So does pretty much everyone except maybe Turkey.

The IAF has run hundreds of operations in Syria in the past decade to prevent Iranian weapon transfers to Hezbollah via Syria. The Russian anti aircraft systems don't seem to slow them down.

[roamer65]

15. Won't be American troops or forces.

Fuck that crap.

Israel will be alone if they start a war, or they can go cozy up to their Saudi buddies.

Fuck Riyadh as well.

[Happy Hoosier]

24. Maybe not, but I see no reason to help Israel fund....

... their own universal health care program while we don't have one while they give us the middle finger.

Not funding Israel does not mean we don't pressure Iran. It just means we shouldn't be sending wads of cash to a country that sees us a tool to leverage in their own interests, rather than shared interests.

[Me.]

2. So, Is Netanyahu Going To Address Congress Again?

[SWBTATTReg]

3. Not a good approach on Israel's part. At least listen? Participate? Anything?

[Sapient Donkey]

25. Does seem like a poor tactic...

It's basically relying on the US/Biden to give in just 'cause they are having a hissy-fit. I don't foresee that happening. So, in effect, they are just giving up any sort of influence in how any new deal plays out.

[Bayard]

4. That's just stupid

I would think they would benefit the most.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. Netanyahu is back in the saddle again?

I don't pay attention to the Middle East I guess.

[PSPS]

6. Bibi is hitching his re-election wagon to the MAGA again.

Maybe Israelis will finally kick his corrupt arse to the curb next month.

[thucythucy]

7. This is a campaign ploy.

It makes no sense as far as Israeli national security is concerned, but helps Bibi with his right wing base.

Whatever the outcome of the election, this stance will most likely be abandoned once the votes are in.

That's my take anyway.

[backroadblast]

8. Wouldn't it nice if the USA could cut these guys loose?

alas, i realize that is just wishful thinking, but maybe someday, Likud will be in the back seat.

[Barbara2423]

9. Let Israel stand alone.

They do not dictate to the US.

[thesquanderer]

10. "We will not" sounds like a little more than a "hint." (n/t)

[Lonestarblue]

14. Bibi has his shorts in a knot because Biden has not yet called him.

Trump pandered to him all the time, so now Netanyahu is anger that Biden isn’t doing everything he wants, especially things that would help him get reelected, as his “special relationship” with Trump did. Israelis may finally ditch their right-wing version of Trump if they see that he has no influence with Biden.

[PatSeg]

20. I remember when Biden visited Israel

as Vice President and things got really tense. I couldn't recall all the details but I found an old article from 2010.

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden snubbed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last night by arriving 90 minutes late to a scheduled dinner.

Mr Biden's late arrival was in response to Israel announcing 1,600 new homes will be built in disputed east Jerusalem during his visit to the region.

He sharply rebuked the Israeli step - which came just after the Palestinians agreed to a new round of indirect peace talks under U.S. mediation after a 14-month lapse.

'The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need right now,' Mr Biden said.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1256936/Joe-Biden-snubs-Israeli-PM-surprise-announcement-build-homes-war-won-land-U-S-vice-presidents-visit.html

Later Netanyahu bragged that he had the U.S. wrapped around his finger. I'm not surprised that things are tense right now with a new Biden Administration. It wasn't all that great during the Obama years. I can't believe Israel hasn't voted that clown out of office yet.

[matt819]

16. OK

Fine. The US will work with its other allies in rejoining the 2015 deal and ensuring that Iran meets its obligations and commitments. And meanwhile the US will continue to evaluate its agreements with Israel (in the most diplomatic language, of course).

The Israel of 1948 and 1967 is not the Israel of 2021. So perhaps it's time to regroup on Israel policy. Yes, it's sensitive, but so is much of diplomacy with key allies (and key antagonists). That doesn't mean it cannot or should not be done.

I think what's important here is to ensure that Israel understands that Biden is not Trump, and we - the US - must reassess any agreements, formal or informal, that Trump had with Israel.

And while we're at it, I sure would like to see an evaluation of the agreements brokered by Jared. There's got to be some corruption in there somewhere.

[rockfordfile]

17. Netanyahu should be removed from their government. a fascist pos.

Has deep connections with Russia

[jorgevlorgan]

18. Well that would make things too easy for us.

I doubt ISrael would follow through with that threat, but I'm for it.

[mahina]

19. Great thanks for giving us all the money back and then explaining how do use our aid to support abor

Right to choice aka abortion rights. Go till the wingers, Netanyahu. Hypocrite.

Note: not directed at the OP

[DFW]

21. Netanyahu might not

I'm sure Israel would be interested.

Maybe Netanyahu can make his points the next time he thinks he's coming to the USA to see President McConnell and Vice-President McCarthy. One would think he would know better, but I'm not betting on it any more.

[Nitram]

22. That's Netanyahu talking. His time in office may be limited. Or not.

[cntrfthrs]

23. excellent...We can stop sending billions..

and use the $$$ to rebuild our infrastructure or for the social safety net....