In an uncommon criticism of the American administration, Foxman said the world increasingly sees a “weak and retreating” US that “cannot be counted on.”
Foxman, who was speaking at the ADL’s centennial conference in New York on Thursday, said the US is undergoing a “deep and dangerous change” that would jeopardize both Israel’s security and the well-being of the Jewish community in America, adding that the issue has caused him to “lose sleep.”
“We are seeing growing indications of a desire for America to retreat from the world once again,” he said, adding “America seems desperate to avoid confrontation with Iran and the Iranians,” Foxman said.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly session on October 1, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened unilateral military action against Iran to dismantle the country's civilian nuclear facilities.
Israel’s salvo of threats and accusations against Iran comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no proof during its numerous inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities to corroborate allegations leveled by the US, Israel and some of their allies against its nuclear energy program.
Israel, which is the sole possessor of nuclear weapons in the Middle East with an estimated 200-400 nuclear warheads, has repeatedly threatened to launch military strike against Iran over the country’s nuclear energy program.
Iran categorically rejects the allegation, arguing that as a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and a member of the IAEA, it has the right to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.
Iran has also repeatedly warned Israel of a crushing response should the regime initiate any act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.
