Netanyahu responds to Obama: We did indeed present practical alternative to Iran deal
As he arrives back in Israel, the prime minister pushes back against those saying there was no tactical alternative in his speech to Congress.
By HERB KEINONSara and Benjamin Netanyahu(photo credit: AMOS BEN GERSHOM, GPO)
Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed in Israel on Wednesday after his two-day trip to Washington saying that "many around the world heard what Israel has to say about the bad deal with Iran."Apparently pushing back against those saying that there was no tactical alternative in his speech, Netanyahu said that he did indeed present a practical alternative that would extend Iran's break out time by adding new restrictions.He also said that he presented a case for not lifting sanctions until the Iranians stop its hostile actions against neighboring countries and stop threatening to annihilate Israel.Netanyahu said that the responses he heard from both Republicans and Democrats were encouraging and that his impression was that they both understand why this is a bad deal.On Tuesday, US President Barack Obama on Tuesday told reporters "as far as I can tell, there was nothing new" in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to Congress panning US-led nuclear talks with Iran."The prime minister didn't offer any viable alternatives," Obama said, urging Congress to wait to evaluate a nuclear deal with Iran until an agreement is finalized. Obama said that he would only agree to a deal that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.Senior Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi slammed the address as "an insult to the intelligence of the United States," while a senior US official said that the premier had contradicted himself during the address.Reuters contributed to this report.
