Barak: No imminent danger from Iran

Defense minister tells FADC indirect talks with PA are better than none.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Barak fancy (photo credit: Ariel Hermoni / Defense Ministry)
Barak fancy
(photo credit: Ariel Hermoni / Defense Ministry)
Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday downplayed the so-called Iranianthreat, encouraging a more relaxed discourse on what he didn't perceiveas an imminent danger to the Jewish State.
“Perhaps in thefuture the Iranian regime will become a threat, but at the moment thereis no need to get too agitated," he said at the Knesset's ForeignAffairs and Defense Committee. "We are acting to prevent Iran frombecoming [a threat],” he continued.
Barak also expressed hissatisfaction over the recent Palestinian green light for the resumptionof negotiations, albeit indirect, and elaborated on the reasons for thehitherto diplomatic impasse.
“I am of the opinion that it is better to speak to the Palestiniansdirectly, but one must keep in mind that under the current situation itwas even tough to get these proximity talks the Americans initiated,"the defense minister told members of the committee.
"It wasdifficult to [reach an agreement to resume proximity talks] not justbecause of us, but also due to the difficulties and pressures from theArab states," added Barak.