US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Yair Lapid will sign the "Jerusalem Declaration" tomorrow (Thursday), in an event that will mark the political culmination of Biden's visit to Israel. Nuclear from Iran in particular.
Schedule Biden, Photo: Yuri Yalon
The declaration will include an explicit US commitment not to allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons for the world. In addition, it will include a hint of the possibility of using military force to ensure this goal.
The fifth president to do so: Joe Biden landed in Israel // Photo: Reuters
In the past, Biden's official position was that Iran would not have nuclear weapons "on my watch."
Former Prime Minister Bennett has succeeded in strengthening the president's commitment that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.
Repeating things now, in the midst of negotiations on the nuclear agreement and accompanied by an implied military threat, is perceived in Israel as a significant achievement.
A key part of the conversation will be about Iran
Biden even said explicitly, in an interview with Yonit Levy that aired on News 12, that he would not hesitate to use military force against Iran "as a last resort."
The accumulation of these remarks produces, perhaps, for the first time in a long time, a slightly more significant leverage of pressure on Tehran.
The Jerusalem Declaration will also include the renewal of the US commitment made during Barack Obama's presidency to provide military assistance to Israel over the next ten years.
However, political sources stressed that the statement would not be limited to re-approving past commitments, and that it could be seen as a "draft of Israel-US relations in the next two years."
US pledges to prevent nuclear from Iran, Photo: EPI
In addition, Biden and Lapid will later hold a digital conference call with UAE President Muhammad bin Zayed and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The talk will take place as part of a new four-country square forum, known as I2U2, with the stated aim of discussing food security issues in the face of the global wheat crisis created by the war in Ukraine.
Significant trade ties
However, it is estimated that a key part of the conversation will deal with Iran, with which India has relatively close relations.
The Indians have never officially violated the sanctions against Tehran, but have tried to find ways to preserve their collaborations with it.
Jerusalem and Abu Dhabi, which have significant trade ties with India, are interested in persuading Modi to dilute his ties with Iran.
Israel also has a security leverage in this regard, as it is one of the main arms suppliers of the Indian army.
Iron Dome presented to President Biden, Photo: Reuters
The United States, for its part, is interested in establishing a strategic dialogue with India against the background of the two powers' joint rivalry with China.
Behind the choice to present President Biden tomorrow (Thursday) the "Shield of Light" (laser interception system; etc.), was an informed and sensitive thought.
To this day, Israel has not wanted American involvement in the sophisticated project, because although the Americans have the economic and technological ability to help, even the best friends do not have to tell all the secrets.
In the end, there is also competition between the defense industries of the two countries.
No assistance, request for partnership
In addition, an American partnership in the development of the system, may give them a veto over its sale worldwide.
And another consideration, it is not worth falling into a situation again where funding for a vital defense system depends on the fingers of members of anti-Israel Congress - as happened last year with the Iron Dome.
Therefore, so far, Israel has politely rejected American proposals to join the project.
Iron Dome system presented to President Biden, Photo: Gideon Markovich
But now that independent development is nearing completion, American resources can advance the system.
And yet, on the Israeli side, we are not talking about American 'assistance' but about 'requesting a partnership' at the end of the development and production of 'Magen Or'.
That will be one of the issues Prime Minister Lapid will raise tomorrow in a meeting with Biden.
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