The former head of the Mossad, Efraim Halvey, criticized the recent visit by leaders of the Israeli security services to the United States in an attempt to influence its policy on Iran.
Halevy warned there is a possibility that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will repeat the mistakes of the past as he did with the former President Barack Obama.
A top Israeli delegation, which includes army chief Aviv Kochavi, head of the Mossad Yossi Cohen and Chief of Staff for National Security Meir Ben Shabbat, and two generals from the army, has traveled to Washington.
The visit aims to provide sensitive information, which clarifies Israel’s rejection of Washington’s return to the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and attempts to push for a new pact that includes Israeli conditions to curb Tehran’s nuclear abilities.
Halevy said, during a radio interview, that the officials were adopting an “incorrect strategy. He instead urged “deep and calm” dialogue with the US - Israel’s “most important ally.”
Moreover, he called for respecting Washington, especially after Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Israel and met with its political and security leaders, and given its economic and security support to Tel Aviv.
Halevy warned that Israel’s current position may lead to strategic harm in the future.
Last week, Netanyahu met with security officials to discuss the strategy regarding the current Vienna talks on the return of the US to the nuclear agreement.
An Israeli political official said that the security figures visiting Washington were instructed to express Israel's opposition to an agreement with Iran, claiming that a return to the original accord threatens Israel and the region.
Another Israeli official was quoted as saying that he expected the talks in Washington to review “several basic recommendations”, including refraining from the complete and comprehensive lifting of sanctions against Iran.
They were also recommended the strict supervision of Tehran to prevent the Iranians from concealing and destroying evidence, adding that the US should include a clause in the agreement that allows inspectors access to nuclear facilities without prior notice.
