*ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Arabcountries viewed Israel as an “indispensable ally” fighting Iran and themilitant Islamic State group.*
That evaluation, he told Brazil’s *Globo TV* during a visit to Rio, hascaused “a revolution in relations with the Arab world.”
The comments came as Israel has stepped up air strikes on Iranian positionsin neighboring Syria, and as Israel digested an abrupt decision byPresident Donald Trump to withdraw US troops from Syria.
Netanyahu has repeatedly warned that Iran is trying to develop nuclearweapons to destroy his country.
“Unfortunately we have not made any advance with the Palestinians. Half ofthem are already under the gun of Iran and of radical Islam,” Netanyahuadded.
Asked if he could ever contemplate sitting down with an Iranian leader totalk peace, Netanyahu replied: “If Iran remains committed to ourdestruction the answer is no.”
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The only way, he said, would be “if Iran undergoes a total transformation.”
Netanyahu was in Brazil to attend Tuesday’s inauguration of the LatinAmerican country’s new, pro-Israel president, Jair Bolsonaro.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, Netanyahu was to hold talks with USSecretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is also among the visiting dignitaries.
They were expected to discuss the US troop pullout from Syria and Iranianactivities in the Middle East. – APP/AFP
