Channels

Photo courtesy of the Shalem Center
Awaiting cabinet's approval. Oren
Photo courtesy of the Shalem Center
Nuclear plant in Bushehr, Iran
Photo: AP

Future ambassador to US: Israel won't allow nuclear Iran

During annual AIPAC convention, Michael Oren says he doesn't believe Israel will allow Tehran to develop nuclear weapon; MK Sheetrit: Anyone who supports an Israeli strike in Iran is mad

WASHINGTON - Israel's appointed ambassador to the US, Dr. Michael Oren, said he didn't believe Israel would allow Iran to develop a nuclear weapon and threaten its population.

 

Oren explained that many officials in the region consider the halting of Iran's support of terrorism vital to progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, "even if they do not say so" overtly.

 

Speaking at AIPAC's annual convention on Sunday, Oren also said that Israel was trying with all its might to retrieve kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit.

 

During the convention Oren was approached by hundreds of people who asked to congratulate him on the appointment, but he said he was still awaiting the cabinet's final decision on the matter.

 

Meanwhile, Knesset Member Meir Sheetrit (Kadima) said during a Geneva Initiative event that "anyone who supports an Israeli strike in Iran is mad", and claimed that this was "the height of megalomania".

Sheetrit added, "Every day that passes increases the price of peace. Prime ministers have always been historically blind; the path to peace passes through the Arab initiative."

 

Oren is expected to replace current ambassador Salai Meridor in the coming weeks. The change will coincide with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's first state visit to Washington, scheduled for May 16th-19th, and Oren will likely accompany the prime minister in his meetings with the American leadership.

 

Meridor asked to resign from him post following the elections and the change of leadership in Israel. Netanyahu and Lieberman agreed on Oren's appointment this weekend, after Lieberman met with and approved Netanyahu's candidate. 

 


פרסום ראשון: 05.03.09, 20:47
 new comment
Warning:
This will delete your current comment