Netanyahu's Request for 'Punishment of Iran' Over Missile Test

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged his country's Foreign Ministry to pressure the P5+1 countries regarding Iran's recent missile test. According to Israel Radio, Netanyahu stated during his government meeting in Jerusalem on Sunday, March 14, that Iran's recent missile test 'violated the JCPOA' and called for 'punishment' of Iran in this regard. Netanyahu asserted that it is unacceptable for countries around the world and negotiating parties with Iran to tolerate this 'provocative act' of the Islamic Republic. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched 'Qadr-H' and 'Qadr-F' ballistic missiles from the eastern Alborz mountains towards the Makran coast in the Sea of Oman last Tuesday and Wednesday. This was the first ballistic missile launch by Iran since 2012. The famous phrase by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic, stating that 'Israel must be wiped off the face of the earth' has been translated into Hebrew and inscribed on the bodies of the long-range missiles fired during the 'Valayat Power' exercise. Netanyahu said on Sunday that he has tasked his Foreign Ministry to intensify contacts with the P5+1 countries regarding this Iranian action. Iran insists that its missile tests are unrelated to the JCPOA and its commitments to the UN and negotiating parties regarding Iran's nuclear program; however, Israel claims these missiles have the capability to carry nuclear warheads. Meanwhile, IRGC commanders emphasized during the exercises that Iran's long-range missiles are designed for Israel. Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, stated that Iran's missiles belong to Palestine, Syria, and all oppressed nations. Concurrently, according to the Jerusalem Post, Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the UN, has requested that this issue be raised at the Security Council's first meeting. Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, stated on Friday, March 12, that she will raise the issue of Iran's missile tests at the Security Council meeting on Monday, March 15. In the meantime, the Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday, March 14, that General Moshe Ya'alon, Israel's Minister of Security, is heading to Washington for further discussions with Ashton Carter, the US Secretary of Defense, regarding the large military aid package from the US to the Israeli army. This US aid package to Israel has been viewed as a form of 'compensation' for the JCPOA. Ya'alon is heading to the US capital after last Wednesday's negotiations between US Vice President Joe Biden during his visit to Israel and the Israeli Prime Minister regarding this aid package ended without results. According to Israeli media, Biden told Netanyahu to agree to the package that the Obama administration is willing to offer and not to wait for the next US president. Biden also indicated to Netanyahu that there may come a day when the American people will question why their government is giving this money to Israel when it should be spent on improving the lives of Americans. Israeli media reported last week that the Obama administration was willing to increase the ten-year aid to Israel by up to $50 billion, but Netanyahu is still waiting to receive an additional $10 to $15 billion.