With Iran’s growing nuclear program posing a threat, both Obama and Netanyahu have sought to offer a united front despite differences on whether a diploma solution or military action must be sought to defuse the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In a session with reporters in the Oval Office, Netanyahu expressed his doubts over the possibility of a diplomatic solution, by saying “When it comes to Israel’s security, Israel has the right, the sovereign right, to make its own decisions. I believe that’s why you appreciate, Mr. President, that Israel must reserve the right to defend itself.”
According to U.S officials, both Netanyahu and Obama had differing opinions on what would be the trigger for Israel to take military action on Iran while there was no agreement on reviving the peace talks with Palestine either. Netanyahu was of the opinion that sanctions or diplomacy will not remove the nuclear threat, and remarked that “none of us can afford to wait that much longer”.
Also, they discussed Iran’s uranium enrichment program at length and shared their timelines for expected developments yet there was no commitment on how both governments would respond to a possible nuclear threat.
However, there was no doubt that Obama would not hesitate to use military action, as evidenced by his speech at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, in case it was necessary, to end the nuclear threat. Israeli officials are justifying military action in the situation where Iran shows capability of building a bomb or moves enough enriched uranium underground to protect it from bombing raids.