Barak: No imminent danger from Iran

Barak: No imminent danger from Iran

Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday downplayed the so-called Iranian threat, encouraging a more relaxed discourse on what he didn't perceive as an imminent danger to the Jewish State.

Published: March 08 2010, 09:46

“Perhaps in the future the Iranian regime will become a threat, but at the moment there is no need to get too agitated," he said at the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. "We are acting to prevent Iran from becoming [a threat],” he continued.

Barak also expressed his satisfaction over the recent Palestinian green light for the resumption of negotiations, albeit indirect, and elaborated on the reasons for the hitherto diplomatic impasse.

“I am of the opinion that it is better to speak to the Palestinians directly, but one must keep in mind that under the current situation it was even tough to get these proximity talks the Americans initiated," the defense minister told members of the committee.

"It was difficult to [reach an agreement to resume proximity talks] not just because of us, but also due to the difficulties and pressures from the Arab states," added Barak.

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Barak: No imminent danger from Iran Barak: No imminent danger from Iran Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Monday downplayed the so-called Iranian threat, encouraging a more relaxed discourse on what he didn't perceive as an imminent danger to the Jewish State. Published: March 08 2010, 09:46 “Perhaps in the future the Iranian regime will become a threat, but at the moment there is no need to get too agitated," he said at the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. "We are acting to prevent Iran from becoming [a threat],” he continued. Barak also expressed his satisfaction over the recent Palestinian green light for the resumption of negotiations, albeit indirect, and elaborated on the reasons for the hitherto diplomatic impasse. “I am of the opinion that it is better to speak to the Palestinians directly, but one must keep in mind that under the current situation it was even tough to get these proximity talks the Americans initiated," the defense minister told members of the committee. "It was difficult to [reach an agreement to resume proximity talks] not just because of us, but also due to the difficulties and pressures from the Arab states," added Barak.