PM addresses AIPAC conference, reiterates view that sanctions against Iran must be coupled with credible military threat.
By JPOST.COM STAFFNetanyahu speaks at AIPAC 2013(photo credit: Youtube screenshot)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu addressed the AIPAC conference in Washington D.C. on Monday, warning that "words alone" will not stop Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapon.Speaking via satellite from Jerusalem, the prime minister stated that while Iran has not yet crossed the "red line," in its drive to become nuclear-armed, it is putting itself in position to do so."I have to tell you, words alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions alone will not stop Iran. Sanctions must be coupled with a clear and credible military threat," the prime minister warned.Netanyahu stated that he was looking forward to welcoming US President Barack Obama to Israel in the coming months. In addition to Iran, the two leaders were slated to discuss "the deteriorating situation in Syria" and "a responsible way to advance peace with the Palestinians," Netanyahu stated.The prime minister warned that terror groups such as Hezbollah and al-Qaida were attempting to get control of Syria's advanced weapons and chemical weapons. He compared them to a "pack of hyenas feeding off a carcass, and the carcass isnt even dead yet."Netanyahu said that while Israel is interested in a responsible peace process, he would not compromise the country's security in the process.He stated that Israel had withdrawn from Lebanon and Gaza and gotten terror in return. The prime minister said that an indefensible peace "would not last five minutes" in the Middle East.Netanyahu began his speech by jesting that he was not able to attend the AIPAC conference becuase he was busy with the "fun" task of putting together a coalition.He recommneded that the US never consider adopting the Israeli system of government, joking that it was much more difficult to come to agreement with ten political parties than it was with two parties.
