Many Israelis were surprised when President Trump announced that the United States would enter into “direct” talks with Tehran in an attempt to curb its nuclear program.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past listed the three main threats facing Israel as “Iran, Iran, and Iran.” He has largely staked his career on being Israel’s defender against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, has openly confronted Tehran in recent months, and is at war with Iranian-backed militias across the region.
So many Israelis were surprised when President Trump, with Mr Netanyahu sitting next to him, announced on Monday that the United States would enter into “direct” talks with Iran on Saturday in a last-ditch effort to rein in the country’s nuclear program.
Mr. Trump's announcement splashed across the front pages of Israel's major newspapers on Tuesday morning. As the day wore on, pundits weighed in, analyzing the pros and cons of the unexpected development.
Early in the evening in Israel, Mr. Netanyahu released a video statement before leaving Washington that largely sought to emphasize his close alliance and connection with the Trump administration.
“We agree that Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he said, adding that this could be achieved through a diplomatic agreement. But, he explained, a negotiated solution would have to result in the complete destruction of Iran’s vast nuclear program, blowing up the facilities and dismantling all the equipment, all of which would have to be carried out by the United States.
But if Iran drags out the talks, Mr. Netanyahu said, the second option would be military. “Everyone understands that,” he said, adding: “We have discussed this at length.”
