Likud MK Ariel Kellner said Tuesday that despite close strategic coordination with Washington, Israel is prepared to act independently following the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran.
In an interview with Dana and Ron, Kellner praised the strategic coordination with America. “We’ve had incredible cooperation with the U.S. that brought many achievements for the State of Israel and the entire free world against the axis of evil from Iran,” he said. But he made clear: “In the end, we don’t make decisions for the U.S., and just as we’ve done until now—this time too we’ll need to take care of ourselves.”
The Knesset member emphasized that sole responsibility for Israel’s future rests with the state. “The prime minister and Israel’s leadership are committed to Israel’s security,” he said, making clear that even if the United States chooses a diplomatic track with Iran, Israel will continue to act according to its own security considerations. “If we need to do it alone—we’ll do it alone.”
Against this backdrop, a senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration told the Wall Street Journal yesterday that the deal with Iran is “less stringent” than even the nuclear agreement signed during President Barack Obama’s term.
According to details published so far, the agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the American blockade on Iranian ports and shipping, and extending the ceasefire by 60 days. During this period, Washington and Tehran are expected to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program.