Israel’s Military Intelligence sees some benefits, more risks, in Iran deal
In briefing, officers said to have restated familiar concerns, but also cited delay in Iran obtaining nukes and Iranian deterrence from attacking Jewish targets
Israel’s Military Intelligence recently briefed Israeli government officials on its position regarding the nuclear deal with Iran, and while restating many of the dangers highlighted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also reportedly said the agreement, if implemented, had some benefits for Israel.
According to the Ynet website, MI officials share the government’s view that the deal contains more risks than opportunities, but noted three areas in which the agreement may benefit Israel: the Islamic Republic will be denied nuclear weapons for at least the next few years; the dialogue the US is conducting with Iran may eventually have a positive influence on several regional issues; and Iran will be deterred from carrying out international terror attacks, such as blowing up Israeli embassies or targeting Jewish institutions.
According to the report, Military Intelligence has increased its efforts to gather information about the Iranian nuclear program since the deal was announced.
Among the risks posed by the agreement, besides from Iran itself, Israel Defense Forces officials mentioned the potential for a regional arms race, primarily involving Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
Several countries in the region, including Iraq, have already increased their purchase of conventional weapons from the US, the officials said.
Meanwhile, an Iranian official confirmed that the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards recently traveled to Russia, despite still being the subject of personal sanctions. According to the official, the sale of Russia’s S-300 missile defense system was among the subjects discussed in the meeting between Qassem Soleimani and his Russian hosts.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif held talks in Moscow with his Russian counterpart on Monday, discussing both implementation of the nuclear deal and international efforts to mediate the conflict in Syria.