Israeli officials hit back at Kerry statements

An Israeli official hit back at US Secretary of State John Kerry over the weekend following remarks that were perceived by the government in Jerusalem as "thinly veiled efforts to muzzle criticism" of the Iran nuclear agreement, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported.

Responding to Kerry's contention that Israel would face even more international isolation if Congress strikes down the Iran nuclear deal, the official said the Israeli government would continue its public lobbying.

“We reject the threats directed at Israel in recent days,” the official told the Times.

“The US Congress will make its decision based on American interests, which include consideration of US allies,” said the official, who spoke to the Times on condition of anonymity. “The regrettable attempt to intimidate Israel will not prevent us from voicing our concerns about this deal, which poses direct threats to Israel’s security.”

Under the deal agreed in Vienna, US, EU and UN sanctions will be lifted in exchange for long-term curbs on Iran's nuclear program that the West suspected was aimed at creating an atomic bomb, but which Tehran says is peaceful.

An Israeli official hit back at US Secretary of State John Kerry over the weekend following remarks that were perceived by the government in Jerusalem as "thinly veiled efforts to muzzle criticism" of the Iran nuclear agreement, The Jerusalem Post newspaper reported.

Responding to Kerry's contention that Israel would face even more international isolation if Congress strikes down the Iran nuclear deal, the official said the Israeli government would continue its public lobbying.

“We reject the threats directed at Israel in recent days,” the official told the Times.

“The US Congress will make its decision based on American interests, which include consideration of US allies,” said the official, who spoke to the Times on condition of anonymity. “The regrettable attempt to intimidate Israel will not prevent us from voicing our concerns about this deal, which poses direct threats to Israel’s security.”

Under the deal agreed in Vienna, US, EU and UN sanctions will be lifted in exchange for long-term curbs on Iran's nuclear program that the West suspected was aimed at creating an atomic bomb, but which Tehran says is peaceful.