The Israeli government also announced a new change in Minister Bezalel Smotrich's powers over the West Bank.
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| Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at IAI on June 18. (Source: GPO) |
On June 18, speaking during a visit to the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated: "I am very impressed with the defense and offensive means here. We are determined to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons... We have also made it clear to our American friends that more restrictive agreements are also unacceptable to us."
Speaking at a cabinet meeting the same day, he said that Israel had firmly opposed the US participating in negotiations to resume the Iran nuclear deal, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). At the same time, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stressed that a “mini-deal” between the US and Iran would not prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Therefore, the Jewish State opposes such an agreement.
A day earlier, speaking on Channel 12 (Israel), Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the Israeli Parliament Yuli Edelstein said that the country could accept a "small, informal agreement" between the US and Iran, if that agreement included close monitoring of Tehran's nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials said last week that they were holding indirect talks with the US through Oman, covering the nuclear issue and Washington’s sanctions. Some sources said there was potential for a deal that Israel could accept, but both the US and Iran have denied that possibility.
In related news, on June 18, the Israeli government passed a resolution granting Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich full authority over planning and construction of settlements in the West Bank.
Previously, this authority was held by the Minister of Defense. However, when joining the coalition, Mr. Smotrich requested this authority, along with a “ministerial” position within the Ministry of Defense. Although this condition encountered many legal barriers, it was still met by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In parallel with the above decision, Israel also removed complicated procedures related to the process of granting permits to build Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
The move will make it easier for Israel to expand its settlements, but it will also dim the prospects for peace. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry immediately criticized the decision, calling on the international community to pressure Israel to “take the necessary practical steps and stop its illegal unilateral actions.”
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