The Israeli Foreign and Defense Ministers held a policy and security briefing for the diplomatic corps in Israel. The briefing focused on the current wave of terrorism in Israel as well as major security issues on the agenda.
“Since August 2021, Iran has raced forward. Iran has increased its enriched uranium stockpile to 50 KG at 60%,” said Benny Gantz.
“In the last year, Iran has enriched its uranium stockpile to 50 kg at 60%. There is no vacuum – if a (new nuclear) agreement is not signed, then ‘Plan B’ must be activated,” said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.
On Wednesday, Gantz and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid held a policy and security briefing for the diplomatic corps in Israel. 80 ambassadors participated in the briefing which focused on the current wave of terrorism in Israel as well as major security issues on the agenda.
The Defense Minister presented the rapid development in Iran’s nuclear program:
“Since August 2021, Iran has raced forward. Iran has increased its enriched uranium stockpile to 50 KG at 60%. We are running against time. The international community must insist on a solid agreement. And if no agreement is reached, we must activate ‘Plan B’ because there is no vacuum,” he said.
He added, ‘’We see the power of a united international community , it is possible. Therefore, if needed, we can move forward with economic pressure, intel, diplomatic pressure, power projection, and regional counterterrorism efforts.”
Regarding the recent wave of terrorist attacks in the country, Gantz said that Israel was taking all necessary measures, including preemptive operations, to prevent further attacks.
Gantz concluded his remarks by presenting confidence-building measures undertaken with the Palestinian Authority since “Operation Guardian of the Walls” last May. He also called on the international community to invest in the P.A.
Minister Lapid presented the ambassadors with an overview of last month’s Negev Summit and spoke of the importance of regional cooperation in the fields of security and the economy.
“The Negev summit is the right model for regional cooperation in order to fight terrorism and strengthen the diplomatic ties that will ensure regional stability,” Lapid said.
He also highlighted steps that Israel is taking in order to ensure freedom of religion during this holy month.
In addition, Lapid provided the ambassadors with information about the humanitarian aid that Israel is providing to Ukraine and reiterated Israel’s condemnation of the Russian invasion and war crimes.