A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday panned the nuclear deal that the Obama administration and other nations struck with Iran and pledged that the Jewish nation would continue to make its case publicly against the accord that has set the table for a final agreement this summer.
Mark Regev said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” show that the framework of the deal fails to close a single nuclear facility and said that Iran can continue to push toward developing a nuclear weapon. He also questioned the ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear program.
“To base your defense, the defense of my country, the defense of the region, the defense of the United States on inspectors when their value is at least questionable, we think is very precarious,” Mr. Regev said.
The Washington Times reported that President Obama and other world leaders hailed the framework agreement for the 15-year phased deal that could be finalized this summer.
Critics, though, said that the deal may slow, but will not stop Iran’s ability to develop a nuclear weapon.
The Times reported that Mr. Obama said that “if this framework leads to a comprehensive deal, it will make our country, our allies and our world safer.”
SEE ALSO: Obama, allies hail Iran nuclear deal as critics slam concessions
Mr. Regev, though, said it is a step in the wrong direction.
“The alternative is to keep up the pressure until you get a good deal — a deal that does significantly roll back Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, a deal that insists on a change of Iranian behavior,” he said. “They must stop their aggression in the region, they must stop their global support for terrorism, and they must stop calling for my country’s destruction.”
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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