Did Netanyahu Really Waste Billions on Iran?

An Israeli Perspective by Yossi Melman / Walla!News
Translated by Viktoria Lymar / IranEdge

“Netanyahu and Barak put the emphasis or at least created the impression that they prefer a military action, and for that sake let loose a great deal of threats against Iran, to the point that the public and the international community in 2012 felt like in just a minute, the Israeli Air Force receives the order to attack.”

“Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert claimed that during the Netanyahu government, NIS 11 billion ($805 million) was wasted on "delusional and adventurous" plans – however, the truth, unlike the political rhetoric, is more complex.”

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Photo credit: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak (Flash90/Defense Ministry/Ariel Hermoni/IranEdge)

Israel Defense Minister Ehud Barak Quits Politics

Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak today announced he was retiring from politics after a half-century career in the military and government that included two years as prime minister. Barak’s surprise announcement will shake up Israeli politics just weeks ahead of general elections. Mr. Barak will stay on as defense minister until a new government is formed following the January 22 elections.

“I didn’t make this decision without hesitating, but I made it wholeheartedly,” Barak told reporters in Tel Aviv. “I feel I have exhausted my political activity, which had never been an object of desire for me. There are many ways for me to serve the country, not just through politics,” Barak added. (AP, 26 November).

File photo: Ehud Barak (Weakipedia/AP)

Iran Pulls Back from Nuclear Weapon – Israel Defense Minister

Iran has pulled back from its goal of building a nuclear weapon, said Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak. He told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper on Tuesday that an immediate crisis was avoided when Iran chose to use more than a third of its medium-enriched uranium for civilian purposes earlier this year. That decision, Barak added, “allows contemplating delaying the moment of truth by eight to ten months.” (Reuters, 30 October)

“There could be at least three explanations. One is the public discourse about a possible Israeli or American (military) operation deterred them from trying to come closer,” Barak said.

“It could probably be a diplomatic gambit that they have launched in order to avoid this issue culminating before the American election, just to gain some time.

It could be a way of telling the IAEA 'oh we comply with our commitments’.”

The Israeli defense minister added however that he believed Iran was still resolved to build nuclear weapons.

“We all agree that the Iranians are determined to turn into a military nuclear power and we all share the declaration that we are determined to prevent Iran from turning nuclear and all options are on the table,” Barak was quoted by Telegraph as saying. 

Barak and Netanyahu See “Eye to Eye” On Iran

In a statement released by Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak’s office, in consultation with the prime minister, Barak said that he and Prime minister Netanyahu se “eye to eye” regarding the “Iranian threat” and relations with the Obama administration. Last week, Netanyahu had accused Barak of trying to undermine him in discussions with American officials over Iran’s nuclear program. The two sides now say they have buried the hatchet, easing concerns in Israel that the coalition government’s days were numbered. (AP, 7 October)