Israel, US Discuss Security Concerns, Military Option Against Iran

Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Gantz met Friday with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in Washington to consult on security issues of mutual concern.

Discussing the draft of the agreement to revive Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, Gantz reiterated Israel’s opposition to the deal, and pointed out specific components that the US must insist on in order for Iran not to build a nuclear weapon.

Stressing the need to strengthen military capabilities to undermine the Islamic Republic's nuclear progress and its regional aggression aside from the deal, Gantz told Sullivan the United States needs to ensure that it retains a viable military option against Iran’s nuclear facilities even if a new deal is reached with the Islamic Republic.

Axios quoted an unnamed senior Israeli defense official as saying that “A nuclear deal is not a peace treaty. A military threat has a lot of weight that can help create a deterrence even in a reality in which there is a deal.” Gantz received "positive hints" about a possible military option when he pressed Sullivan on the issue.

"We feel there is a trajectory for deepening and strengthening the capabilities against Iran and the Americans understand deeply that it will give the Iranians an incentive to be more pragmatic about the nuclear deal and will strengthen their position," the official added.

Sullivan emphasized President Joe Biden’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, and the two exchanged views on ways to deepen the US-Israel security partnership, including via regional cooperation and coordination.