Iranian president claims Israel supports, benefits from terrorism

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani calls for unity in the Muslim world, saying the global escalation of terrorism only serves to benefit Israel.

“It is clear that they (Israelis) support terrorism in the region,” Rouhani says in a cabinet meeting according to Iranian news outlets. “The more terrorist activities escalate in the region, the greater benefits the Zionists will gain.”

“Today, it happens rarely for Zionists not to have a hand, either behind the scenes or openly, in rifts among regional countries,” he says. “If we want to curb Zionism in the region, we should forge unity in the Islamic world and settle differences.”

Separately, Iranian Defense Minister General Hossein Dehghan says Israel is the root cause of all violence and extremism in the world.

“A world free of violence and extremism is parallel to a world free from the Zionist regime, a motto which will be broadcast by the Islamic world on Quds Day,” Dehghan says, adding that “today, roots of troubles, violence and insecurities in the Muslim world, as well as the whole world, can be traced in the fake and brutal Zionist regime and the US as its main sponsor.”

Rpouhani and Dehghan speak ahead of al-Quds Day, an annual holiday Iran says is designed to show support for the Palestinians and emphasize the importance of Jerusalem for Muslims.

Last year, a resolution passed by Iran on al-Quds Day called for the elimination of “the cancerous tumor of Israel,” and declares this “noble cause” as the top priority for the Muslim world.