Former IDF chief of staff: Iran deal no cause for 'hysteria'
In contrast to the Israeli government's uncompromising opposition to any deal containing concessions to Iran, Benny Gantz argues that the deal was a success.
WASHINGTON - The agreement between world powers and Iran on the latter's nuclear program is no cause for "hysteria", former IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz said Friday.
Gantz added that while he agreed that a better deal could have been reached, it was still a positive development that forestalls an Iranian nuclear bomb by 10-15 years.
The former chief of staff, speaking at the Washington Institute, said Israeli intelligence sharing and cooperation with the United States should be increased.
Gantz displayed optimism regarding Israel's future, and confidence in the ability to deter Iran from attaining a nuclear weapon. He noted that Israel is a sovereign nation and if it chooses to act, it will do so – but added that coordinating with the US was better.
The Israeli government has consistently argued that the agreement with Iran contains far too many concessions, chief among them the removal of the severe sanctions that have been in place for years. According to Israel, this would allow Iran to revive its economy and later breach the agreement by racing towards a bomb.
Since the agreement was signed, a Western diplomats and businesspeople have streamed into Iran, and have been laying the groundwork for full resumption of economic ties.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Friday that implementation of the agreement could begin this year. He said ties with the United States had improved, though there was "still a long road to travel".
