Obama on Iran nuclear deal - A very sobering lesson for Israel

IN A world that seems more adept at perpetuating conflict rather than resolving it, the negative reaction to the deal struck with Iran over its nuclear programme seems, at its mildest, unhelpful.

Though criticised heavily by the recently re-elected Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the deal has been welcomed by Pope Francis, Saudi Arabia, and many others just as disparate.

Mr Netanyahu has faced internal criticism for his position. A former Mossad chief harshly criticised him yesterday for his insistence that Iran recognise Israel’s right to exist.

“The demand from the Muslim world to recognise Israel’s right to exist is almost like asking them to change their religion,” said the former security boss.

Mr Netanyahu has faced far sterner criticism from a far more powerful individual though and probably not before time.

In an extensive interview yesterday, US president Barack Obama defended the agreement as a “once-in-a- lifetime opportunity” but acknowledged that his pursuit of diplomacy with Tehran has caused strain with Israel.

Israel has, step-by-step, alienated many of its allies and friends because of its treatment of displaced Palestinians and its refusal to stop land grabs for “settlements”.

It would be an added bonus for the Iran deal, assuming Iran honours it, if Israel realised that its aggressive policies threaten the very support it needs to live in peace with all its neighbours.