Naftali Bennett: Ratchet up Pressure on Iran to Get Right Nuclear Deal

At an event today hosted by the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, Naftali Bennett, Israeli Minister of Economy, Religious Services and Jerusalem & Diaspora Affairs, delivered an address on Israel’s economy and security in a changing Middle East. Tamara Cofman Wittes, Saban Center director and senior fellow, moderated a question and answer session with Minister Bennett following his formal remarks. During part of the Q&A, Wittes and Bennett engaged in a dialogue about Iran’s nuclear program. Bennett said that:

I am convinced that if we ratchet up the pressure we can get the right deal. … Does anyone honestly think that six months from now we’ll have more leverage than we have now? After letting up on the sanctions? After we see a wave of companies flock to Iran to do business because they sense that the sanctions are on their way out? (1:00:12) 

Minister Bennett is the leader of the Jewish Home Party in Israel’s Knesset.

Follow Brookings research and commentary about Iran and especially negotiations on its nuclear program on the Iran @ Saban blog.

Get full event audio of Minister Bennett’s remarks and the Q&A here.