On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech to the U.S. Congress that many were anticipating. Prime Minister Netanyahu used the opportunity to express his concerns over the deals with Iran over a nuclear development program. The Israeli leader warned against negotiations with Iran, saying that the nation is an enemy of the U.S.
Netanyahu described Iran as a regime that “will always be an enemy of America”. He alluded to the fight against the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and stated that Iran’s cooperation with the U.S. to fight the Islamic State did not make the country a friend of the United States. “Don’t be fooled. The battle between Iran and ISIS doesn’t turn Iran into a friend of America. Iran and ISIS are competing for the crown of militant Islam … an enemy of my enemy is my enemy,” he said.
The speech was met with several standing ovations from many members of Congress. Netanyahu argues against current negotiations to limit and regulate Iran’s nuclear program. The Israeli Prime Minister believes that Iran should not be allowed any nuclear program. He argues that a nuclear program for Iran will lead to nuclear weapons, which will put Israel and the United States in danger.
President Obama heavily criticized the Prime Minister’s speech. “The prime minister didn’t offer any viable alternative. The alternative the prime minister offers is no deal, in which case Iran will immediately begin once again to pursue a nuclear program, accelerate its nuclear program, without us having any insight into what they’re doing and without constraints,” said the President of the United States.
Tensions between Israel and the U.S. have been high as deals with Iran and nuclear talks have progressed. Many believe that Netanyahu used this speech as a political move to help his reelection as Prime Minister. Elections in Israel will take place in two weeks.
