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Netanyahu tells world leaders to check enthusiasm for Iran deal

Xinhua, October 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday told the UN General Assembly that the international community should check their enthusiasm for the Iran nuclear deal at the door, saying that "this deal does't make peace more likely."

In a speech lasting 41 minutes, Netanyahu focused heavily on Iran and its intentions towards Israel. However, the Isareli leader's statement indicates a big gap between the remarks by most of the world leaders who hailed the agreement as a victory over war.

In July, Iran and six world major countries adopted an agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue that will put Iran on the path of sanctions relief but more strict limits on its nuclear program. The nuclear deal reached with the six world major countries is expected to help build confidence.

The comprehensive agreement was clinched after more than two weeks of tough bargaining in Vienna, the capital city of Austria. Under the deal, the Security Council is expected to lift sanctions against Iran in return for Iran meeting strict conditions regarding its nuclear program.

"After three days of listening to world leaders praise the nuclear deal with Iran -- I begin my speech by saying -- ladies and gentlemen, check your enthusiasm at the door," Netanyahu said.

"This deal doesn't make peace more likely, it makes war more likely," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu accused governments of "utter silence, deafening silence" in response to what he described as Iran's promise to destroy Israel, before pausing for a full 45 seconds amid silence in the General Assembly hall.

During his speech, Netanyahu also referred to Israel's position towards the conflict in Syria.

"Israel will continue to respond forcefully to any attacks against it from Syria," he said.

Netanyahu delivered his speech on the fourth day of the annual UN General Assembly debate, where the heads of state and government -- or their representatives -- of the UN's 193-member states deliver speeches to the UN General Assembly over six days. Enditem