As Iran passes nuclear deal limit, Gantz says Israel ‘united’ against the threat

Blue and White chief calls for international alliance against Iran, says threat is ‘above all politics’ even in an election season, promises to back government’s response

Blue and White party leader Benny Gantz addresses a demonstration outside the Tel Aviv Museum on May 25, 2019, against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to avoid prosecution in three criminal cases he faces. (Tomer Neuberg/Flash90)Blue and White party chairman — and de facto opposition leader — MK Benny Gantz says Iran’s breaking of the uranium enrichment limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal leaves Israelis “united” against the threat of a nuclear-armed regime in Tehran.

“Israel is united and determined in the face of the Iranian threat,” the former IDF chief of staff says in a statement.

“Today it’s clear that Iran isn’t an Israeli problem, but an international problem. I call for a broad international alliance against Iran, stiffening of the sanctions and joint preparations for the possibility that Iran continues on its present course. At the same time, I’m certain and confident that the IDF and Israel’s security services are preparing constantly for any possible eventuality in that theater, and are capable of giving the political leadership the needed solutions to the threat to ensure that Iran never achieves a nuclear weapon.”

He adds: “In this election season, it’s important to emphasize that the Iranian threat is above all politics. We will give our backing and help to any decision the government takes to strengthen Israel’s security.”

Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported earlier today that the country’s stockpile of 3.67 percent enriched uranium has now passed the 300-kilogram limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal.

Content retrieved from: https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-july-1-2019/.