Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu says a nuclear-armed Iran would pose a serious threat to the entire world – but particularly to Israel. In a policy speech to the Knesset today, Netanyahu warned that the Iranian regime was continuing in its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. Iran denies the allegations.
Israel considers Iran its most dangerous threat. It cites Tehran’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile development, repeated references by the Iranian leader to Israel’s destruction and Iran’s support for anti-Israel militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu has said that international sanctions should be the preferred way to halt the Iranian nuclear program, but he has repeatedly said that the military option should not be ruled out.
“We must continue building Israel’s strength in order to counter the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.
Netanyahu stressed that he hopes in the future Turkey and Israel will find a way to improve ties.
“Even though divisions exist between us, both states have been there to help each other,” the he said. “Just as Turkey was there to offer aid during the Carmel Fire, we were there to help in rescue efforts after the devastating earthquake that hit last week.”
{Yair Alpert-Matzav.com Israel with AP}
