Israel Reevaluating Security in Light of Iran Nuclear Deal

Sputnik News

13:56 17.07.2015

Israel, a consistently vocal critic of nuclear negotiation with Tehran, called the deal a historical mistake, claiming that Iran will build a nuclear bomb if the current economic restrictions are removed.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Israel is reassessing its security program following a historic nuclear treaty between the world powers and Iran completed earlier in the week, the Jerusalem Post reported.

On Tuesday, Iran and international mediators signed a final agreement to severely limit Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.

According to a report on Thursday in the newspaper, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Deputy Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Yair Golan is in charge of the country's security reevaluation.

In the light of the Iran deal, some Israeli defense officials are expecting the Unites States, a party to the nuclear talks, to increase military aid, the newspaper added.

The increase could see Israel receiving permission to purchase an additional squadron of F-35 fighter jets, receive expanded funds for research and development of missile defense systems and replenish the ammunition that the IDF used in last year's operation in the Gaza Strip, according to the unnamed officials.

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is expected to propose an increase in defense aid to Israel during his visit next week, easing tensions between the two countries over the Iran nuclear treaty, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Under the current arrangement, Israel receives approximately $3 billion a year in defense aid from the United States. The current package expires in 2017.

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