Herzog aligns with Netanyahu on Iran

In London, opposition leader presents Israel as a unified front against expected Iran nuclear deal.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
Herzog and Netanyahu (photo credit: REUTERS)
Herzog and Netanyahu
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Opposition leader Isaac Herzog presented Israel as a unified front against the proposed Iranian nuclear deal in his meetings in London over the last few days, sources close to him said Tuesday.
Herzog discussed Iran as well as the Palestinian issue with advisers to British Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street.
“There is no difference between me and [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu in reading the threat of Iran,” Herzog said in an interview with The Telegraph. “There is no daylight between us on this issue at all. I do not oppose the diplomatic process.
However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.
We want to know ‘what is the deal?’ What’s the best deal possible that can be reached and would it change the region in a better direction? And here we are worried.”
In the article, Telegraph chief foreign correspondent David Blair appeared to express frustration that Herzog did not come across as opposing Netanyahu on Iran.
“If the US administration hoped that Mr. Herzog might dilute Israel’s visceral suspicion of an imminent nuclear deal with Iran, however, then he seems likely to disappoint,” Blair wrote.
When asked whether he might join Netanyahu’s government, he said: “I’d rather lead the country in the right direction. I’m not seeking a job opportunity; I’m seeking to change the course of the history of my nation.”