A high-ranking Israeli delegation concluded its round of talks in Washington with the US military and security leadership without discussing Iran’s nuclear deal, according to informed sources in Tel Aviv.
The delegation included the army’s military intelligence directorate head, Maj. Gen. Tamir Haymen, head of Mossad Yossi Cohen, and Chief of Staff for National Security Meir Ben Shabbat.
The sources affirmed that the US officials said the nuclear deal, won't be part of the talk, noting that the officials discussed Iran-related issues and Israel’s concern about its regional policy.
Both sides agreed to form an inter-agency working group to focus attention on the growing threat of unmanned aerial vehicles and precision-guided missiles produced by Iran and provided to its proxies in the Middle East Region, especially the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the sources added.
Despite refraining from discussing the 2015 nuclear deal, the US and Israeli officials expressed their serious concerns about advancements in Iran’s nuclear program in recent years.
According to a White House statement, the US “emphasized strong interest in consulting closely with Israel on the nuclear issue going forward.”
An Israeli security source considered not discussing the deal a correct decision, stressing that Israel does not want its consultations in Washington to be interpreted as a silent approval.
Discussions further focused on Iran's military activity against Israel, the US, and the Arab allies in the Middle East, sourced explained.
“These include activating armed militias in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, in addition to Iran’s attempts to impose its hegemony over the Middle East and bolster its presence in Syria.”
The officials agreed to address the issue more thoroughly and discuss means to put an end to it.
For his part, Cohen met with CIA Director William Burns, and talks focused on means of exchanging information about Iran’s schemes.
Israeli Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi had canceled his participation in the military delegation amid a security flare-up in Jerusalem and Gaza. He was replaced by the Haymen.
Talks between the two officials focused on Tehran’s military activity and means to addressing it at various levels.
