Netanyahu: Under emerging deal, Iran’s nuclear breakout time is a year or less
By JPOST.COM STAFF
03/31/2015/J.Post
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tuesday that Iran’s breakout time to a nuclear weapon would be “a year or less” under the terms of the emerging deal between Tehran and world powers in Lausanne, Switzerland. Netanyahu spoke at the ceremonial opening of the 20th Knesset on Tuesday, hours before the deadline for the P5 + 1 group of world powers – the US, UK, China, France, Russia and Germany – to reach a framework agreement with Iran to restrict its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
He said that, while he appreciates the friendship and support of the US, Washington and Jerusalem disagree on Iran, which is an existential threat to the Jewish State and he must speak up. Netanyahu warned that the deal would leave Iran with advanced centrifuges, underground nuclear facilities and the plutonium reactor at Arak, in addition to allowing Tehran to continue to refuse to cooperate with UN nuclear inspectors.
“Israel does not bury its head in the sand,” Netanyahu said. “We will do all in our power to ensure our security and our future.”Netanyahu said that his views on Iran, which he accused of openly spreading terror, were shared by many countries in the region. He said that these similar views on Iran and on the threat of extremist Islamism, create an opportunity for cooperation with neighboring Arab states. It can also help advance peace with the Palestinians, Netanyahu added. “Israel’s hand is outstretched for peace to all our neighbors who want peace.”
