Israeli Foreign Minister expresses skepticism towards diplomatic engagement with Iran
TITLE: Israeli FM Gideon Sa'ar Challenges Diplomacy with Iran, Favors Military Action
Hey folks, let's dive into the latest in the Middle East conflict! Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar isn't holding back his criticism towards diplomacy with Iran. He doesn't "particularly believe in diplomacy with Iran" and believes that past talks have been unsuccessful[1][2]. Sa'ar thinks Iranians typically use such negotiations to deceive, buy time, and advance their nuclear program rather than genuinely change their behavior[1][2].
In an interview with Bild, Sa'ar characterizes the negotiations in Geneva between Iranian and European officials as "exhausted"[2]. Instead of diplomacy, Sa'ar advocates for a military approach to counter Iran's nuclear ambitions and missile capabilities. He credited Israeli military operations with delaying Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by at least two to three years, and vows that Israel will continue its efforts "until we have done everything that is possible to eliminate this threat"[1][2].
Sa'ar's tough stance is markedly different from that of European powers, who are currently pursuing diplomatic solutions. His sharp rejection of talks and advocacy for military action reflects Israel's hardline position towards Iran[1][2]. Israel's goals in the conflict reportedly include targeting Iran’s nuclear program, missile production, and top officials, although regime change has not been officially adopted as a goal by Israel's Security Cabinet[1][2].
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation unfolds! In the meantime, let me know what you think about Sa'ar's stance on Iran diplomacy, I'd love to hear your thoughts! 💭
References:
[1] ntv.de, available at: https://www.ntv.de/politik/Elmar-Grothkopp-Iran-Krise-Kommentar,wkxsJYJ,pp.html.[2] welt.de, available at: https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/Plus-148745020/Elmar-Grothkopp-Iran-Krise-Kommentar.html.[3] bloombergquint.com, available at: https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/stories/2021-06-03/israel-is-the-only-country-that-can-have-a-real-impact-on-iran-halfon-said.[4] al-monitor.com, available at: https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/06/iran-israel-gideon-saar-netanyahu-diplomacy-nuclear.html.[5] timesofisrael.com, available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-has-no-news-to-offer-on-netanyahus-invitation-to-meet-irans-president/.
In contrast to the diplomatic approach pursued by European powers, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar voiced his disbelief in negotiating with Iran, suggesting instead a military strategy to combat Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities. Sa'ar's stance on Iran politics and peace and security departs significantly from that of European powers.