'Israel must show sensitivity to US reality over Iran strike'

Defense Minister Barak takes part in Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting; hints that it is preferable not to carry out strike against Iran without US consent

Moran Azulay|Published: 03.19.12 , 14:12

Defense Minister Ehud Barak took part in the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee meeting on Monday. He hinted that it was preferable not to carry out a strike against Iran without the US government's consent and asked that "some sensitivity be shown towards the US election campaign."

"The security relations and strategic cooperation between Israel and the US have reached levels of greater depth than we have ever known in the history of the relationship between the two countries," Barak said.

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"This fact has a clear and immediate affect on Israel's security, its future and its position in the international arena." Barak believes that "Israel must have increased levels of sensibility and awareness to the demands that stem from the reality in the US and implement a policy of strengthening the special relationship."

"אסור שתהיה איראן גרעינית". ברק (צילום: אריאל חרמוני, לע"מ)

Barak at Knesset committee meeting (Photo: GPO)

Nonetheless the defense minister noted that "many global experts estimate that avoiding action (in Iran) will necessarily lead to a nuclear Iran and that dealing with a nuclear Iran would be more complicated more dangerous and will be bloodier than it would be if it were stopped today."

He added that "There cannot be a nuclear Iran… we demand that of our friends and that is their stance as well, that is what we and our allies say and we mean what we say."

Barak also addressed the most recent clashes in Damascus and said: "The Assad regime is in an ongoing process of bleeding and is becoming weaker," he said, adding "A lack of resolution increases losses on both sides with the regime showing harsh brutality towards the Syrian people."