VIDEO: Philip Hammond clashes with Netanyahu over Iran during Israel visit
British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond has clashed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, as he sought to reassure Jerusalem that the nuclear deal struck this week will enhance security in the Middle East, not harm it.
READ MORE:
- ANALYSIS: We must scrutinise everything Iran does
- ANALYSIS: There was no better option than this on Iran
Standing alongside one another in a news conference, the differences of opinion were openly aired, with verbal blows traded between the two men, in a manner not typically seen in public.
Tension had been heightened after Hammond, who visited Holocaust Memorial Museum Yad Vashem, yesterday poured scorn on the Israeli position, saying that “no agreement with Iran would have been enough for Netanyahu… Israel wants a permanent state of stand-off”.
The Foreign Minister of the United Kingdom,. Philip Hammond visited Yad Vashem. He toured the Holocaust History Museum, participated in a memorial ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance, visited the Children’s Memorial and signed the Yad Vashem Guest Book.
His comments echoed the thoughts of European counterparts, with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier urging Israel to take a closer look at the deal, struck between Iran and six world powers, before criticising it “in a very coarse way”.
Hammond is the first senior representative of the negotiating team to visit Israel. Following him is U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter, who flies out in a few days’ time, before moving on to Saudi Arabia, whose rulers share Israeli concerns.
Standing alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hammond said: “I know you disagree fundamentally with the way we have approached this issue, but we believe that re-engaging Iran is perhaps the only way forward.”
He contradicted Netanyahu’s claim that sanctions would be lifted “today,” and said: “Despite our very different views, I urge Israel to work with us to ensure the full implementation of the deal.”
He said: “Our commitment to Israel is unshakeable… We will remain a staunch ally,” but added: “As isolated Iran, dominated by hardliners, will not change its behaviour in the region.”
Hammond also noted the “risk and concern that Israel’s standing around the world will fall further” if the situation with the Palestinians continues, although he welcomes the moves Israel had made since last year’s war in Gaza, by providing material and resources.
Returning to the subject of Iran, Netanyahu told Hammond that “Iran still calls for ‘death to Israel’” and asked: “Would it not make sense for the world powers cease and desist for such genocidal calls and actions?… We would have wanted to see a deal that require Iran to change its behaviour first.”
Hammond hit back, saying: “This deal was about Iran’s nuclear activities. We will judge Iran not by the chants on the streets, but by the actions of the government.”
He said the world powers “have not settled every dispute we have with Iran by settling the nuclear issue” but that it was an important first step.
Yet Netanyahu swiftly returned the argument, in what was fast becoming the news conference equivalent of the Punch & Judy show, saying: “While you give them sanctions relief, you’re also giving them hundreds of billions of dollars into their coffers… this is what Arab governments worry about as well.”
Between gritted smiles, the two men finally agreed to “continue the discussion upstairs,” before leaving the podium and the posse of bemused journalists.
Thank you for helping to make Jewish News the leading source of news and opinion for the UK Jewish community. Today we're asking for your invaluable help to continue putting our community first in everything we do.
For as little as £5 a month you can help sustain the vital work we do in celebrating and standing up for Jewish life in Britain.
Jewish News holds our community together and keeps us connected. Like a synagogue, it’s where people turn to feel part of something bigger. It also proudly shows the rest of Britain the vibrancy and rich culture of modern Jewish life.
You can make a quick and easy one-off or monthly contribution of £5, £10, £20 or any other sum you’re comfortable with.
100% of your donation will help us continue celebrating our community, in all its dynamic diversity...
Engaging
Being a community platform means so much more than producing a newspaper and website. One of our proudest roles is media partnering with our invaluable charities to amplify the outstanding work they do to help us all.
Celebrating
There’s no shortage of oys in the world but Jewish News takes every opportunity to celebrate the joys too, through projects like Night of Heroes, 40 Under 40 and other compelling countdowns that make the community kvell with pride.
Pioneering
In the first collaboration between media outlets from different faiths, Jewish News worked with British Muslim TV and Church Times to produce a list of young activists leading the way on interfaith understanding.
Campaigning
Royal Mail issued a stamp honouring Holocaust hero Sir Nicholas Winton after a Jewish News campaign attracted more than 100,000 backers. Jewish Newsalso produces special editions of the paper highlighting pressing issues including mental health and Holocaust remembrance.
Easy access
In an age when news is readily accessible, Jewish News provides high-quality content free online and offline, removing any financial barriers to connecting people.
Voice of our community to wider society
The Jewish News team regularly appears on TV, radio and on the pages of the national press to comment on stories about the Jewish community. Easy access to the paper on the streets of London also means Jewish News provides an invaluable window into the community for the country at large.
We hope you agree all this is worth preserving.
