Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett attacked the reported nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, calling it a 'strategic failure' and accusing the government of being unable to safeguard Israel's security. The statement adds to growing criticism of the emerging deal from right-wing figures.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on Wednesday escalated his criticism of the reported US-Saudi civilian nuclear agreement, calling it a 'strategic failure' and accusing the government of being unable to ensure Israel's security. The remarks were the latest in a series of statements Bennett issued within minutes, each sharpening his attack on the deal.
At 16:21 Jerusalem, Bennett first warned that the deal could lead to 'a dangerous loss of control' for Israel, according to a report by Amit Segal (N12). Shortly after, he said Israel is 'not at the table, but on the table' — meaning the country is the subject of the deal, not a participant. Bennett then stated that the government is 'incapable of providing for Israel's security,' and ultimately labeled the agreement a 'strategic failure.' The statements were posted on Bennett's social media accounts and widely reported by Israeli media.
Bennett has a history of criticizing the government's nuclear policy. As The Zioneer reported on July 1, Bennett and former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot separately accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of lying about Iran's nuclear progress. The security cabinet, as reported by The Zioneer on June 19, fears that the emerging US-Iran deal and the Saudi nuclear agreement may tie Israel's hands across multiple fronts.
The specific terms of the Saudi nuclear deal have not been officially confirmed, and it remains unclear whether Israel will have any oversight role. The security cabinet's deliberations on the agreement's implications are ongoing.
4 developments
- DevelopingBennett: Netanyahu incapable of deciding on Gaza, Lebanon, Iran fronts
- DevelopingBennett: Government incapable of advancing Israel — vows election victory
- DevelopingYair Golan attacks government over Saudi civilian nuclear program, lack of diplomatic moves
- DevelopingNetanyahu attacks Gantz: 'He would not have struck Iran'
Source and signal
- Internal intake