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Stephen Pollard

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Stephen Pollard,

Stephen Pollard

Analysis

UK's Iran sanctions are a game-changer, says Israel

January 12, 2012 12:14
1 min read

It's rare to find consensus on anything among Israeli politicians, soldiers and analysts. But on one thing there is now near unanimity: the sanctions against Iran announced in November by UK Chancellor George Osborne could be a "game changer".

Every Israeli to whom I spoke in Jerusalem this week told me the same thing: for the first time, Iran faces powerful sanctions which could have a real impact if the EU follows the UK's lead. By hitting oil exports and the Iranian central bank, an already weak economy could be brought to its knees - quickly.

One senior Israeli military strategist described the sanctions as "equivalent to military action".

Benjamin Netanyahu is known to think that the Iranians are worried, now that serious sanctions have been imposed.

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