Israel congratulates US on mission that killed Islamic State leader

The first Minister Israeli congratulated US President Joe Biden on Sunday for the mission in Syria last week in which the leader of the Islamic State group was killed, the Israeli president’s office reported.

The first Minister Naftali Bennett He told Biden in a telephone conversation that “the world is a safer place today thanks to the courageous operation of US forces,” according to the bulletin issued to the press.

Bennett and Biden also discussed Iranian military activity in the Middle East and efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program, according to the statement.

Israel and Iran are archenemies, and Israel has raised concerns about US attempts to rescue a deal forged in 2015 between Iran and major world powers.

The deal fell apart under the US government of Donald Trump, who pulled out of the pact. Israel objected to the deal and believes any attempt to bail it out will not include sufficient guarantees to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons. Israel also says that any agreement must also cover Iranian activities in the Middle East and its development of long-range missiles capable of reaching Israel.

Hours before on Sunday, Bennett He asserted that Israel is keeping an eye on world powers’ negotiations with Iran in Vienna, but warned that Israel does not feel obligated to abide by any resulting agreement.

Israel has repeatedly threatened to attack Iran if it believes it becomes necessary to curb Iran’s nuclear program. Iran claims that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

“Whoever believes that such an agreement will strengthen stability is wrong,” declared Bennett to the cabinet on Sunday morning. “Israel reserves the right to act in any case, with or without agreement.”

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