Netanyahu's speech adds injury to insult

Since the US will ultimately have to take the lead in striking Iran and bear the consequences, doesn't Obama have the moral responsibility to try the diplomatic route first?

Netanyahu is correct in suggesting that the traces of Iran's mischief are visible throughout the Middle East, including its financing of jihadist groups and other violent extremists like Hamas and Hezbollah, its meddling in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen, and having a direct hand in the killing of Americans and other foreign nationals.

Precisely because of that, every effort should be made to reach an agreement which, at a minimum, tempers Iran's flagrant destructive regional activities under constant American pressure and prevents it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Other than criticizing the would-be deal, Netanyahu didn't offer any other practical option that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Instead of demanding the untenable, Netanyahu should focus on the attainable and work with the President to tighten up the deal rather than further damaging Israel's vital relations with the US and undermining the President's unparalleled efforts to rein in Iran's nuclear program.

To that end, Netanyahu should support the President to ensuring the following, albeit most of these provisions still are on the negotiating table:

The new agreement should remain effective, preferably for 20 years but at least 15 years.

The lifting of sanctions should be gradual and tied to Iran's compliance with every provision of the agreement and implemented in phases, based on predetermined reciprocal arrangement.

The most rigorous monitoring regime is put in place leaving no room for Iran to cheat, including unfettered, unrestrictive, and unannounced inspections that cover every nuclear facility.

Iran must stop its research and development of intercontinental missiles.

The Fordo plant near the city of Qom and the Arak heavy water facilities must be disabled and remain so under strict international monitoring.

The specific number of centrifuges left in the Natanz nuclear plant must predetermine the quantity and quality of enriched uranium for medical and other peaceful use.