Contrary to the prime minister’s stance, Defense Minister Ehud Barak said on Monday that “Iran does not pose an existential threat to Israel at this time.”

Barak added that the world is still preoccupied with the global economic crisis and not the Iranian nuclear threat.

Speaking before Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee he said, “Iran has the potential to develop into an existential threat on Israel, and we are working to prevent that.”According to the defense minister, “The United States has a complex external and internal agenda. There is difficulty in coordinating between Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, our peace process and their responsibilities in South America.”

He also spoke of the threats: “The rockets in Hamas’ possession are strengthening. They have rockets that can reach the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. The key is to boost Fatah and weaken Hamas – this is progress in the peace process. We are trying to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza in a way that does not bolster Hamas.”

Of the threats from the north, he said, “Hezbollah in Lebanon holds over 40,000 rockets, most of which are destined to strike the civilian population, unlike weapons used for defensive purposes. We hold Lebanon responsible for any action by Hezbollah against us. We do not plan to chase every rocket around the wadis and the outskirts of villages.”