Defense Minister Benny Gantz gave an interview Tuesday to BBC Persian, saying that Israel is taking action against Iran’s nuclear program and that the nuclear deal with world powers must be changed if it is to bring stability.
“We have capabilities and methods that I cannot elaborate about, and we are in high preparedness to ensure Iran doesn’t get nuclear weapons,” Gantz said, adding that Israel reserves the right to take independent action.
Regarding the ongoing — albeit stalled — talks to renew the 2015 nuclear deal, he said: “It has weak spots that must be fixed so that it is tight and brings stability. We need a deal that is stronger, longer and more comprehensive.”
“The Iranians are very close to nuclear weapons regarding enrichment, but aren’t that close in other aspects,” Gantz told the outlet. “We are very familiar with their deception tricks and their attempt to deceive world countries. We are also revealing this information.”
“The oppressive regime is violating the human rights of Iranian citizens. There is a shortage of water, food and electricity, and still Iran chooses to develop military nukes,” he said.
“Israel and the Iranian nation had excellent relations in the past, and we have much appreciation of the Iranian people and its legacy, but we are seeing in the field that the Iranian regime has a negative influence both on the nuclear issue and in support for terror in the Middle East,” Gantz warned. “We cannot stand by and turn a blind eye when an existential threat is hovering above our heads.”
Read more at Times of Israel.
{Matzav.com}
