Israeli defense ministry backtracks on Iran nuclear deal comment

The Israeli defense ministry on Monday backtracked on a controversial statement it made on Friday, comparing the nuclear deal with Iran to a 1938 agreement between European powers and Nazi Germany.

"The statement from Friday was not meant to draw a direct parallel between the two deals (the Iran deal and the 1938 Munich agreement), not historically or personally," a statement by the defense ministry read on Monday.

"We are sorry if it was interpreted differently," the ministry added.

It also said that Israel will continue to "work closely with full cooperation with the U.S., in mutual respect and deep appreciation," but insisted Israel is still worried about Iran's statements against Israel, as well as its actions.

Israel has been the main opponent to the deal reached between the P5+1 countries (the U.S., Britain, Russia, China, Germany and France) and Iran last July, aimed at curbing the latter's nuclear ambitions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran poses an "existential threat" to Israel.

The statement on Friday was issued following comments made by U.S. President Barack Obama the previous day. He lauded the efficacy of the Iran nuclear deal, adding that Israeli defense officials believe the deal to be successful.

The Israeli ministry said Friday that Israel's defense establishment "believes that agreements are valuable only if they are based on reality," then went on to charge that the "Munich agreement did not prevent the World War II and the Holocaust."

It said the 1938 agreement "failed to do so" because it was based on the wrong assumption that "Nazi Germany could be a partner to any agreement."

Israeli media reported on Saturday that Netanyahu was not told in advance about Friday's statement. According to the reports, the Israeli prime minister called U.S. ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro later on Friday to smooth tensions.

He had also issued a statement of his own on Friday afternoon, saying Israel's stance on the Iran deal might not have changed, yet emphasizing how important the relationship between the two countries is to Israel.

Hawkish Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who assumed his role in the government in recent months, has been a vocal opponent to the Iran nuclear deal.

He himself compared it in the past to the 1938 Munich agreement last year once the deal was signed, saying it is a result of "total capitulation to unrestrained terrorism and violence in the international arena."

This exchange is taking place as Israeli and the U.S. defense officials are working to finalize a 10-year military aid package, estimated to be worth around 40 billion U.S. dollars.

Israel and the U.S. are close allies and cooperate closely on security-related matters, with Israel being the greatest benefactor of U.S. defense aid.

Source : XINHUA