Photo: IANS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel needs to reduce its dependence on American military assistance and develop a more self-sufficient defence industry.
Speaking to reserve combat officers in Gush Etzion in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu stressed the importance of building an independent weapons-production capability.
He said Israel’s need for greater military autonomy had grown as it continued its confrontation with Iran and groups aligned with Tehran, adding that while Israel had inflicted significant damage on its opponents, the conflict was not yet over and would depend on the country’s strength, Indian Express reported.
Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva said Lebanon remained an integral part of a memorandum of understanding linked to a peace arrangement. He argued that further attacks on Lebanon should be avoided and that the agreement required the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The first round of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland ended with both sides presenting different interpretations of the discussions, particularly over whether Tehran had agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors access.
Despite disagreements over key details, mediators from Qatar and Pakistan described the talks as a constructive beginning. The United States also temporarily eased oil sanctions on Iran, allowing Tehran limited access to international oil markets and dollar-based transactions.
Key developments from the Switzerland negotiations:
Dispute over nuclear inspections: US officials said Iran had agreed to permit UN nuclear inspectors to return soon, while Tehran rejected the claim and said it had made no fresh commitments on the issue.
Temporary easing of oil sanctions: Washington announced a 60-day suspension of certain oil restrictions, allowing Iran to sell crude at market prices and conduct transactions in US dollars.
Frozen assets remain unresolved: Iran’s central bank said agreements had been signed to begin releasing blocked funds, while US officials said no final deal had been reached on the complicated issue.
New communication mechanisms: Both sides agreed to establish a hotline aimed at preventing misunderstandings in the Strait of Hormuz. A separate mechanism involving Qatar and Pakistan was also created to help monitor the Lebanon ceasefire.
Nuclear programme negotiations postponed: The most difficult issues, including Iran’s uranium stockpile and its right to enrich uranium, remained unsettled. Iran’s leadership reiterated that it would not abandon what it considers its legitimate nuclear rights.