PM: Iran arms race is runaway train

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Tuesday addressed the state of affairs on Iranian sanctions, or lack thereof, and briefed members of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on the latest developments on negotiations toward a prisoner swap with Hamas.


Published: March 02 2010, 09:46

“The Iranian [arms] train is travelling fast compared to the advancement of the international community, which is more like a faltering car,” Netanyahu explained with a metaphor. “That notwithstanding, there is significant progress in the international community’s understanding of the nature of [Iran’s] nuclear program.”

“There is political progress toward sanctions in the world,” he continued, addressing the issue of the main pertinent country objecting to sanctioning Teheran. “China is interested in strengthening cooperation with Israel, and there is a wide spectrum of topics for cooperation between Beijing and Jerusalem. China is part of our efforts on Iran.”

Netanyahu then spoke of the threat of missiles from the Palestinian Authority, hitting out at opposition head Tzipi Livni in the process. “I see that for you paper is enough to ensure that missiles won’t enter the Palestinian territories. I was elected to make sure that things happen,” he said to Livni.

“If it’s about what the public chose, political decency would necessitate you acting after the elections based on what you promised beforehand,” Livni countered.  

Netanyahu also commented on the possibility of proceeding with a prisoner swap with Hamas to secure the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.

According to the premier, Israel relayed its proposal to Hamas via the German mediator some three months ago, and was still waiting for the terror group’s response. Netanyahu stressed that Israel had learned its lesson from previous prisoner swaps, and would ensure that terrorists released in such a deal won’t be able to return to terrorist activities against Israelis.