Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to set a “clear red line” on Iran’s controversial nuclear programme in a speech to the UN General Assembly later Thursday, an Israeli official said. “In his speech, the prime minister will set a clear red line” on Iranian nuclear activities, a senior Israeli official told reporters travelling with Netanyahu as his plane arrived in New York. The Israeli leader’s address to the UN meeting was expected to focus largely on Tehran’s nuclear programme, which Israel and much of the international community fears masks a weapons drive. The programme has been a source of discord between Washington and Israel, with US officials cautioning the Jewish state against a military strike on Iran, and brushing aside Israeli calls for “red lines” that could trigger the use of force. But the official said Netanyahu’s comments on Thursday would be in line with the stance presented by US President Barack Obama in his own remarks to the General Assembly earlier this week. “Netanyahu will say that the United States and Israel have a shared goal to prevent Iran from having nuclear arms,” the official said. “What he will say regarding red lines will help ensure this goal will be achieved. “Netanyahu is convinced that the US and Israel can work together to achieve this common goal,” the official added, saying that the premier’s comments “will not contradict what Obama said.” “Obama said that Iran will not have nuclear weapons. Netanyahu will clarify the way to prevent Iran from having nuclear weapons.” Addressing the General Assembly on Tuesday, Obama made clear that Washington would not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, which Israel has said would pose an existential threat to the Jewish state. “Make no mistake. A nuclear-armed Iran is not a challenge that can be contained. It would threaten the elimination of Israel, the security of Gulf nations, and the stability of the global economy,” Obama said.
Israel PM to set ‘clear red line’ on Iran in UN speech
