Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid
Prime Minister Yair Lapid says Israel will continue to act in all areas against the revival of the Iran nuclear agreement and the threat posed by the Islamic Republic.
During a visit to Nevatim airbase in southern Israel, which houses the Israeli Air Force’s squadron of F-35 fighter jets, he said it is too soon to know if Israel has succeeded in thwarting the looming nuclear agreement with Iran.
In a clear signal to Tehran, Lapid also issued a video message on the anniversary of Operation Orchard of September 6, 2007, when Israel destroyed Al Kibar site, a suspected nuclear reactor in the Deir ez-Zor region of Syria. Lapid reiterated “If Iran continues to test us, it will discover Israel’s long arm and capabilities.”
“We will continue to act in all fronts against terrorism and against those who seek to harm us," Lapid noted.
“As agreed between me and [US] President [Joe] Biden, we have full freedom of action to do whatever is appropriate to prevent Iran from the opportunity of becoming a nuclear threat,” Lapid added.
“It is still too early to know if we have indeed succeeded in stopping the nuclear agreement, but Israel is prepared for any threat and any scenario,” he added.
US Ambassador to Israel Thomas Nides said Monday that President Biden has assured Lapid that Washington will never tie Israel’s hands to defend itself against Iran. “We understand the aggression of Iran,” he said, adding that “[Biden] was very clear to the prime minister in that belief.”