Alongside German chancellor, Bennett vows to prevent Iran from obtaining nukes ‘not on our watch, and never’

In remarks given at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem along with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett says that he and Scholz met that morning to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna, and establishing a new strategic partnership.

Addressing his German counterpart, Bennett says, “We also have a responsibility to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, and that there will be no possibility of acquiring nuclear weapons — not on our watch, and never,” in line with Israel’s longstanding view of nuclear Iran as one of its greatest security threats.

“We are following with concern the talks in Vienna, and the possibility that an agreement will be signed that will allow Iran to install centrifuges on a large scale within a few years is not acceptable to us.”

Regarding the war in Ukraine, Bennett expresses support for civilians, but does not address military aid, requests for which Israel has previously denied.

“Israel stands by the Ukrainian people,” Bennett says, noting that Israel on Monday and Tuesday sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. “We are dedicated to continue [supporting the Ukrainian people] and to do more.”

However, Bennett declined to respond to questions regarding whether Israel would change its decision not to send military aid to Ukraine.

Israel is walking a tightrope in its policy toward Ukraine, professing support for Ukraine while endeavoring to maintain good relations with Russia, which has a military presence in Israel’s northern neighbor Syria.

Focusing on the German-Israeli relationship, Bennett says he and Scholz are forging new partnerships, in addition to thanking Scholz for insisting on their visit to Yad Vashem earlier in the day.

“I’m happy to report that today the chancellor and I agreed upon the creation of new strategic cooperation between Germany and the State of Israel,” says Bennett. “It’s the format of a dialogue that will happen twice a year, on security and state issues.”

Despite Scholz’s short visit, Bennett says that the chancellor “insisted that the visit to Yad Vashem would [happen in full]. And I could see that your mind was there as well as your heart.”

The German chancellor arrived in Israel last night and will depart later today.