Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivers a statement to the foreign media at parliament in Jerusalem November 10, 2014.[/caption]Meeting with U.S. Jewish leaders, Netanyahu reiterates he is determined to appear before Congress, and that 'Israel's survival is not a partisan issue.'
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday criticized the Obama administration over its decision to limit the amount of information it shares with Israel regarding the ongoing nuclear talks with Iran,fearing leaks.
"Just as Iran knows what kind of agreement is being offered, it's only natural that Israel should know the details of the deal being formulated," said Netanyahu during a meeting with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations. "But if there are those who think this is a good agreement, why must it be hidden?"
Netanyahu added that he is determined to make his speech before the U.S. Congress on March 3. Although all of Israel's intelligence agencies believe that the chances that Iran and the world powers forge an agreement are very low, Netanyahu claims that the timing of the speech is important as the deadline for reaching a deal with the Islamic Republic is set for March 24.
"I am going to Washington because it is my obligation to do everything in my power to stop a bad deal," said Netanyahu. "Can I guarantee my speech in Congress will prevent a bad deal with Iran? Honestly, I don't know. The better question is How could a responsible Israeli Prime Minister refuse to speak to Congress on a matter that could affect our very existence," continued Netanyahu.
Netanyahu also noted that the offer that the world powers have put on the table leaves Tehran with a clear path to becoming a nuclear power. "I'm not against a deal with Iran," said Netanyahu, adding, "I'm against a bad deal with Iran and that's why I'm going to Washington. I do not see this issue in partisan terms. The survival of Israel is not a partisan issue."
A few hours prior, National Security Advisor Yossi Cohen and Strategic Affairs Minister Yuval Steinitz met with U.S. President Barack Obama's advisor on Middle Eastern affairs, Phil Gordon, at Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem. In an attempt to project an air of "business as usual," Steinitz issued a statement regarding the meeting, and noted that they spoke primarily about the Iranian nuclear issue.
By Haaretz
