Israeli NSC’s annual brief: Iran threat is enhanced with Al Qaida offshoots massed on borders

By on

Special to WorldTribune.com

JERUSALEM — Israel’s Cabinet has been briefed on regional threats.

On Dec. 7, the Cabinet attended an annual briefing by the National Security Council on regional threats. Council director Yossi Cohen cited Iran as a leading security threat to the Jewish state.

Susan Rice and Yossi Cohen, respectively the U.S. and Israeli national security advisers, at the White House on Oct. 30. / White House
Susan Rice and Yossi Cohen, respectively the U.S. and Israeli national security advisers, at the White House on Oct. 30. / White House

“Iran is presently maintaining and even increasing its capabilities even as the sanctions imposed on it are in danger of eroding,” Cohen said. “Such a step is liable to lead to a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.”

Cohen cited advancement in Iran’s nuclear program. He said Israeli concerns helped stymie negotiations between Teheran and P5+1 on a permanent nuclear agreement, which ended on Nov. 25.

NSC said Iran was bolstering military capabilities amid the removal of Western sanctions. The council also cited Iran’s increased use of insurgency proxies.

Cohen also reviewed the threat from Al Qaida and its allies. He said these forces were amassing along Israel’s borders.

“These forces are motivated by religious fanaticism and extremism,” Cohen said.

  ,

Israeli NSC’s annual brief: Iran threat is enhanced with Al Qaida offshoots massed on borders added by on
View all posts by World Tribune →

You must be logged in to post a comment Login