Israeli media magnate Saban hints Clinton opposes Iran nuclear deal
In an interview with Channel One, the Israeli-American media tycoon suggested he has intimate knowledge of the Democratic candidate's real stance on the Iran nuclear deal.
By JPOST.COM STAFFFrom left: Tzipi Livni, Haim Saban, and Hillary Clinton(photo credit: REUTERS)
American-Israeli media mogul and long-time Hillary Clinton supporter Haim Saban hinted in a Channel One interview that the new Democratic presidential candidate is opposed to an Iranian nuclear deal, the US news site The Hill reported on Friday.While speaking to Ya’akov Ayalon, host of Channel One’s nightly news broadcast, Saban was asked what Clinton’s stance was on the issue.“She will have to, at some stage, express her opinion. But we know that, in essence and in every important matter, she is committed to the security of Israel. She is a friend of the State of Israel,” he said. “And we’ve seen this over the past 25 to 30 years. So, there won’t be any problems with relations between the United States and Israel when Hillary Clinton is president. No problem. On the contrary.”Ayalon, sensing Saban’s somewhat aloof answer, pressed further by asking if he knew where Clinton specifically stood on the issue.“I know where she stands but I can’t talk about it,” Saban admitted.“Give me a hint,” the Channel One host retorted.“I hinted to you that I know,” Saban replied. “But I can’t reveal to you things that were said behind closed doors.She has an opinion, a very well-defined opinion. And, in any case, everything that she thinks and everything she has done and will do will always be for the good of Israel. We don’t need to worry about this.”Last month, the United States and world powers reached a framework deal with the Islamic Republic that Israel adamantly opposes, claiming that Iran will retain wide nuclear capabilities; continue to enrich uranium; continue research and development for advanced centrifuges; and not close any of its nuclear facilities.