Israel works to stop 'dangerous' deal to limit Iran's nuclear programme
PM Benjamin Netanyahu says mooted agreement would still enable Tehran to enrich uranium
Israel was pulling out all the stops yesterday to prevent what it considers a "bad" deal to limit Iran's nuclear programme, before the talks resume on November 20.
The diplomatic offensive was aimed not only at the world powers engaged in negotiations with Tehran, after three days of talks ended early yesterday without a deal, but also extended to the US Congress, with which Israel retains close ties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he spoke to the US, Russian, French, German and British leaders - five of the six world powers negotiating with Iran - and "told them that according to the information reaching Israel, the looming agreement is bad and dangerous".
According to Netanyahu, the deal would remove sanctions on Iran while still enabling the Islamic republic to enrich uranium and advance works on a plutonium reactor.
"I asked them what was the rush? I suggested they wait, and seriously consider things," he said at the opening of the weekly cabinet meeting.
"I hope they reach a good agreement, and we will do all we can to convince world powers to avoid a bad deal."