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Bibi on Geneva: Iranians 'Got Everything, Paid Nothing'

November 8, 2013

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned against the prospective nuclear deal that has been floated with the Iranians in Geneva Friday prior to his meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry at Ben Gurion Airport.

Netanyahu said the Iranians "got everything and paid nothing […] They wanted relief of sanctions after years of a grueling sanctions regime, they got that. They are paying nothing because they are not reducing in any way their nuclear enrichment capability."

The Los Angeles Times reports:

[…] Heading into the meeting, Netanyahu talked tough as he delivered a statement reflecting displeasure at an emerging agreement between Iran and six world powers in Geneva, as well as differences with the U.S on Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.

"I understand the Iranians are walking around very satisfied in Geneva, as well they should be," said Netanyahu, visibly angered. "Iran got the deal of the century and the international community got a bad deal," Netanyahu said. He added that Israel "is not obliged by this agreement" and that it will do "everything it needs to defend itself and defend the security of its people."

After the meeting, Netanyahu said he had urged Kerry "not to rush to sign, to wait, to reconsider and get a good deal."

[…]

The same adamant stand on Israeli security regarding Iran is true for the negotiations with the Palestinians, the prime minister said, stressing he would resist "any international pressure."

Pressure on Israel was misplaced, Netanyahu said. "The pressure has to be put where it belongs, on the Palestinians who refuse to budge. ... No amount of pressure will make me or the government of Israel compromise on the basic security or national interests of Israel."