In the face of threats to his country’s existence, and the real possibility of an Israel-Iran war, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared: “Even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand strong.”
The latest news on Israel and Iran took a dangerous turn on Tuesday July 14, 2015, as a nuclear deal was finalized between Iran and world powers, including the United States.
Israel’s leadership reacted harshly to the announcement by the P5+1 and Iran that they have reached an agreement regarding the Islamic Republic’s nuclear aspirations.
Israeli leaders, from left to right, charged the West with capitulation to Iran, warned that the deal made the world a more dangerous place, and vowed that Israel would defend itself in any way it saw fit and with all means.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the deal was bad because the P5+1 was “willing to make an agreement at any cost, this is the result.”
Netanyahu’s Warning to US Congress and the World
As the original March 24 deadline approached, Netanyahu delivered an impassioned cautionary speech to a joint meeting of the United States Congress in Washington DC. At this time, it is important to reflect back upon what Israel’s Prime Minister had warned.
Netanyahu warned that if the international community goes ahead with the deal that Kerry is negotiating, the safety and security of not only Israel, but also the United States and the entire free world will be gravely threatened. And that is exactly what has happened.
Netanyahu reminded the world that this was not the first time in history that a Persian empire has threatened the Jewish people’s existence. 2500 years ago, Haman, a high official in the Persian Empire, set into motion a genocidal plan to do away with the Jews. Fortunately, the plan was foiled by the timely intervention of Queen Esther and her cousin Mordechai. This victory of survival is celebrated until today, during the holiday of Purim.
Of course, since the days of Haman there have been many more brutal attempts by governments, groups and individuals to destroy the Jewish people. The modern day threat from Persian soil dates back to 1979 when a radical Islamic regime seized power and implemented a constitution in which the preamble states clearly the country’s mission of Jihad, stating that it is the “hope that this century will witness the establishment of a universal holy government [Islamic] and the downfall of all others.”
Iran’s Regime is ‘Gobbling Up Nations’
Netanyahu stressed in his speech that even while Iran is currently dealing with imposed sanctions, it is still “gobbling up” nations in the Middle East. As such, he warned that it is irrational and dangerous to think that Iran’s regime will suddenly make a radical change, discard its militant Islamist ideology, and become a peace loving country after a deal is signed.
He also warned that a “bad deal” like the one just signed, leaves Iran’s nuclear program largely in place while ensuring that all limitations on it will be lifted after a decade.
Netanyahu cautioned that this type of deal will inevitably lead to a nuclear Iran, among other dire consequences. It is also likely to spur other Muslim countries to pursue nuclear weapons.
Already in the past decade, as a reaction to Iran’s nuclear activities, more than a dozen Muslim countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Turkey, and Syria have renewed or began pursuing their nuclear capabilities, and more are likely to follow suit.
As Iran is a principal sponsor of global terrorism, a nuclear Iran will be in a position to arm terrorist groups including Hezbollah, Hamas and others with devastating weapons of destruction.
Deal Empowers Iran to Wipe Israel Off the Map
The current Iran nuclear deal will embolden and empower Iran to fulfill its desire and its mission to wipe Israel and the Jewish people off the map. Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution, clearly articulated Iran’s deadly stance towards Israel. He stated that the “cancerous tumor called Israel must be uprooted from the region” and that the “foundation of the Islamic regime is opposition to Israel and the perpetual subject of Iran is the elimination of Israel from the region.”
This message continues to be expressed in varying forms, at different times, from various Iranian leaders. For example, in November 2011, Iran’s Defense Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Vahidi went on record saying, “How many missiles [has the Zionist regime] prepared themselves for? 10,000? 20,000? 50,000? 100,000? 150,000 or more?”
In 2013, Ayatollah Salehi, Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, remarked, “The Army of Iran can by itself destroy Israel.”
In November 2014, Iranian General Mohammad Ali Jafari confirmed that, “The range of our missiles covers all of Israel today. That means the fall of the Zionist regime, which will certainly come soon.” Of course, these are just a sampling of the numerous deadly threats being launched at Israel from Iran.
The Possibility of an Israel-Iran War
With Iran declaring that it is prepared for a war with Israel and taking active measures to achieve this goal and while much of the West is appeasing Iran, the possibility of an Israel-Iran war must be taken seriously.
In his speech to Congress, Netanyahu made it clear that a nuclear-armed Iran and Israel cannot coexist. Now that the “bad deal” has become a reality, the question is: will Israel attack Iran on its own?
Netanyahu boldly stated, “I can guarantee you this, the days when the Jewish people remained passive in the face of genocidal enemies, those days are over.” He added, “I can promise you one more thing: even if Israel has to stand alone, Israel will stand strong.”
The Middle East is a turbulent region where the status quo can change in a second. We now have to wonder: what will be the next development in Israel Iran news? We will just have to wait and see.
By United with Israel Staff
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