Naftali Bennett
Naftali BennettFlash 90

Speaking from the U.S., where he is currently on a working visit, Economics Minister Naftali Bennett told Arutz Sheva that Israelis had to realize that they could only rely on themselves for their defense – not the U.S. or any other party.

Bennett said that he was discussing security, as well as economic issues, with Jewish communities and lawmakers in the U.S. Israel, he said, had a very strong economy, and he was working with investors to help bring more business to Israel.

I am meeting with American legislators on the Iran issue, trying to get them to understand our side of the issue,” he said. “Iran cannot have centrifuges, they cannot be allowed to enrich uranium for a nuclear device. Even thought the U.S. is a great friend of Israel's, we have an ongoing disagreement with them on this, and we cannot compromise our position,” he said.

Discussing the negotiations with the Palestinian Authority, Bennett said that despite U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's expressed affinity for Israel, and the ongoing friendship with the U.S., “at the moment of truth Israel will find itself alone.”

Part of Kerry's plan, according to reports, is for Israel to withdraw from the Jordan Valley and set up a network of sensors and electronic fences in order to ensure security, but Bennett dismissed this as unrealistic. “If anyone thinks that we can rely on sensors, drones, and fences, to defend ourselves, they are mistaken. The IDF and the State of Israel are our greatest defense, and we do not intend to compromise on this,” he added.