During his much-awaited visit to Israel on Thursday, United States (US) President Joe Biden said he would not allow Iran to manufacture a nuclear weapon and even threatened to use force as a last resort if Tehran continued to accelerate its nuclear programme.
Speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, Biden said, “Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon,” assuring that Washington would work hard to prevent such an event from occurring, including the use of force “as a last resort.” Biden insisted that the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), should be revived, as it was capable of ensuring that Tehran does manufacture an atomic bomb.
Mr. President,
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) July 13, 2022
You once defined yourself as a Zionist. You said that you don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist. You were right, and in your case — a great Zionist and one of the best friends Israel has ever known.
🇮🇱 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/838pNEdLxe
In this regard, Biden blamed his predecessor Donald Trump’s decision to exit the JCPOA in 2018 as a “gigantic mistake” that has led Tehran to accelerate its nuclear programme further and enrich uranium closer to weapons-grade levels. “They’re closer to a nuclear weapon now than they were before,” Biden said.
However, he stressed that the US’ re-entry into the JCPOA would add curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities and Washington could hold them accountable. Biden also noted that the deal’s fate now rests in Iran’s hands. He also mentioned that the US would walk away from the talks if Iran continued to make unsustainable preconditions, including removing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from the US’ terrorist list.
The United States' support of the State of Israel's defense capabilities is stronger than ever before, including our partnership with Israel on the most cutting-edge defense systems in the world like the Iron Dome and Israel’s new laser-enabled system called the Iron Beam. pic.twitter.com/xC6qzNptkA
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2022
To this end, Biden will sign a joint agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid to work together to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons “I think what you’ll see in the joint declaration is a pledge and a commitment never to allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon and that we’re prepared to use all elements of our national power to ensure that outcome,” an official told Reuters.
Israel has remained opposed to reviving the JCPOA, arguing that Iran will continue to accelerate its nuclear programme, which it views as an existential threat due to threats by Iranian leaders to “annihilate” Israel. Additionally, talks between Iran and world powers to revive the JCPOA have failed to progress.
Today, I paid a visit to the hallowed ground of Yad Vashem where I had the distinct honor of meeting Dr. Gita Cycowicz and Ms. Rena Quint, two Holocaust survivors.
— President Biden (@POTUS) July 13, 2022
I vow to continue our shared, unending work to fight the poison of antisemitism wherever we find it in the world. pic.twitter.com/h0YaU8kZaN
Iran recently took a series of measures to ramp up its nuclear programme, including installing advanced centrifuges and enriching uranium up to 60%, following the adoption of a US-sponsored resolution by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) criticising Tehran for failing to disclose its nuclear activities.
However, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said on Wednesday that Israel could not ensure its security despite Biden’s visit. “If the visits of American officials to the countries of the region are to strengthen the position of the Zionist Regime and normalise the relations of the Regime with some countries, then their efforts will not bring about security for the Zionists in any way,” he remarked.
U.S. support and tech cooperation is critical for the security of the State of Israel. We cherish our powerful ties.
— בני גנץ - Benny Gantz (@gantzbe) July 13, 2022
Raisi warned Biden that “if the slightest movement is made against the territorial integrity of Iran, it will be met with our decisive reaction.”
Thursday marks Biden’s first visit to Israel since he assumed office last year. In this regard, he reaffirmed the US’ “unshakable commitment” to Israel’s security in a speech immediately after arriving in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. “From here, I’m going straight to a briefing on Israeli missiles and rocket defence capabilities, including the U.S. support for the Iron Dome and Israel’s new laser-enabled system called the Iron Beam,” he said.
Welcome to Israel, our brother Joseph! The people of Israel welcome you with open arms. @JoeBiden, your visit reflects our nations' profound partnership. I hope your journey of peace, starting here in Israel, helps to lead the Middle East to a future of prosperity and peace.🇮🇱🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/7XZxg4X61D
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 13, 2022
As part of the joint agreement, the US will pledge to extend as massive defence package to Israel as part of a $38 billion deal signed in 2016 under the Obama administration. Israeli PM Lapid said the agreement aims to “anchor the partnership between the two countries and position Israel alongside its leading ally the US in the field of technology, which tops the international agenda.”
“This joint announcement puts Israel at the forefront of global innovation and solidifies its status as a leading technological power,” Lapid added.
Together with our friend U.S. President @JoeBiden, we paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust at Yad Vashem. We salute @POTUS's commitment to Israel’s security and the struggle against antisemitism, and we thank him for his decisive action on both fronts.🇺🇸🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/narOlbGHyt
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) July 13, 2022
The agreement did not mention the Palestinian issue.
During his visit, the US President met with his Israeli counterpart Isaac Herzog and Defence Minister Benny Gantz. He also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial and met with Holocaust survivors. Biden is expected to visit the West Bank later today and meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
On Friday, Biden will travel from Jerusalem to Riyadh, to meet Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He is expected to discuss the Iran nuclear deal, normalising Saudi-Israel ties, and establishing a regional air defence system to prevent aerial threats and attacks.