Israeli PM, meeting Pompeo, urges more pressure on Iran
LISBON, Portugal — Israel’s prime minister on Wednesday praised the tough U.S. sanctions on Iran, saying the financial pressure has sparked protests against Tehran’s influence across the region and urging even stronger action.
Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo before their meeting, Netanyahu said “the first subject I will raise is Iran, the second subject is Iran and so is the third.”
“Iran is increasing its aggression as we speak,” he added. “We are actively engaging in countering that aggression.”
Israel considers Iran to be its greatest enemy, citing its military entrenchment in neighboring Syria and its support for militant groups across the region. Israel also accuses Iran of trying to develop a nuclear bomb — a charge Iran denies.
Earlier, Netanyahu said the U.S. sanctions were creating political and economic problems for Iran, and that while he has given up on European countries joining in the campaign, there is still a “wide spectrum” of options for ratcheting up the pressure.
Pompeo expressed support for recent protests in Iran, saying “these are people that are seeking freedom and a reasonable way to live, and they recognize the threat that’s posed by the kleptocrats who are running the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Netanyahu last year welcomed the U.S. withdrawal from the international nuclear deal with Iran along with subsequent American sanctions. The sanctions, targeting Iran’s vital oil sector, have hit the Iranian economy hard.
In recent weeks, Iranian forces have reportedly killed more than 200 people in demonstrations against rising fuel prices. Demonstrations have also rocked pro-Iran governments in Lebanon and Iraq, forcing leaders in both countries to resign.
“We’re seeing the Iranian empire totter. We see demonstrations in Tehran, demonstrations in Baghdad, demonstrations in Beirut,” Netanyahu said earlier.
“It’s important to increase this pressure against Iranian aggression.”
The Israeli leader said he would raise other issues with Pompeo, insisting the strong support shown by the Trump administration creates a rare opportunity for Israel to pursue other initiatives.
He is eager for a political boost at a time when he is facing legal and political struggles at home. Netanyahu last month was indicted on a series of corruption charges, and the country appears to be barreling toward an unprecedented third election in under 12 months.
Netanyahu’s visit with Pompeo was their first since the secretary of state announced a new American doctrine last month that does not consider Israeli settlements a violation of international law. It was the latest in a string of diplomatic gifts to Netanyahu by the Trump administration.
The Israeli leader said he was “very grateful” for the statement on settlements.
Netanyahu had earlier said he would discuss his proposal to annex the Jordan Valley, a strategic part of the West Bank.
Such a move would draw condemnation from the Palestinians and much of the world and almost certainly extinguish any remaining Palestinian hopes of gaining independence.
The Palestinians seek all of the West Bank, captured by Israel in 1967, as the heartland of their hopedfor state.
Pompeo did not respond to a question about the Jordan Valley.
Meanwhile, a U.S. Navy warship seized a “significant cache” of suspected Iranian guided missile parts headed to rebels in Yemen, American officials said Wednesday, marking the first time that such sophisticated components have been taken en route to the war there.
The seizure from a small boat by the Navy and a U.S. Coast Guard boarding team happened Nov. 27 in the northern Arabian Sea, and the weapons have been linked to Iran.
Officials said the incident illustrates the continuing illegal smuggling of weapons to Houthi rebels.