Report: Diplomatic Attack on Israel Expected After Iran Deal

Once the world powers have signed the nuclear deal with Iran, Israel is next on the agenda, according to diplomatic sources quoted in the Israeli media on Tuesday.

“A diplomatic attack against Israel is expected soon that will surprise even the pessimists in Yerushalayim,” a senior Western diplomat said in an off-the-record conversation.

Israel can expect, he said, that on multiple fronts — including the U.N. Security Council and the European Union — that Israel will be pressured to enter a time-bound framework for an agreement with the Palestinians or face sanctions.

“In the Security Council, in western capitals and at EU headquarters, they are just waiting for the Iran deal to be signed and for it to be approved by the American Congress,” he said.

When the U.N. General Assembly reconvenes in September, the next phase is to begin.

Diplomatic sources say that the EU has already drafted a range of sanctions in the fields of trade, agriculture, science and culture.

“Senior officials in Yerushalayim are aware of the existence of sanctions documents at EU headquarters, some of which have even fallen into their hands,” according to one source.

Western diplomats in New York are saying they do not foresee the new Israeli government putting forth any significant initiatives for peace that would deter the diplomatic assault.

“The make-up of the government is such that no faction or minister will stand up to the lack of an initiative from Prime Minister Netanyahu,” a diplomatic source in New York said. “The coming months will be difficult for Israel. This time Israel will pay a heavy price for continued stagnation. This time, it is also uncertain if Uncle Sam will succeed in saving Israel, and maybe he won’t want to do so.”

This article appeared in print on page 32 of the June 10th, 2015 edition of Hamodia.