PM would risk 'friction' with top ally

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that he's prepared to risk tension with the United States if that is what it takes to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities.

The embattled premier, whose political future is in question just 11 days out from a bruising war, said Israel's biggest threat remains the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran. He said Israel is prepared to prevent that from happening even if the US and other nations succeed in reinstating the 2015 Iran nuclear accord.

"If we have to choose, I hope it doesn't happen, between friction with our great friend the United States and eliminating the existential threat-eliminating the existential threat "wins, Netanyahu said.

He spoke at a ceremony for David Barnea, the new chief of Israel's Mossad spy agency. Iran has accused Israel of being behind a number of attacks killing Iranian nuclear scientists or sabotaging Iranian nuclear facilities.

More talks on the subject were expected this week when Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz travels to Washington. He's slated to meet with US senior officials about Iran and stability in the region.

Netanyahu's comments came amid talks in Vienna between nations seeking to update and reinstate the 2015 agreement, in line with US President Joe Biden's campaign promise. His predecessor, Republican president Donald Trump, pulled the US out of the accord in 2018 and imposed sanctions on the Islamic republic.

Agencies via Xinhua