Most Israelis believe Iran will keep up nuclear drive: poll

Most Israelis believe Iran will keep up nuclear drive: poll

JERUSALEM - More than three-quarters of Israeli Jews believe Iran will keep up its nuclear drive despite a Geneva deal with world powers to curb atomic activities, a poll published Monday said.

Some 76.4 per cent of respondents answered "no" to the question "do you think Iran will now stop its nuclear programme?" with the remainder unsure or replying "yes".

The survey, conducted by daily Israel Hayom, polled 500 people, but excluded Arab Israelis, who make up around 20 per cent of the population.

Nearly 58 per cent said that by signing the agreement, the United States had "harmed Israeli interests."

Iran agreed to curb its nuclear programme for the next six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief following marathon talks with the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany in Geneva that ended Sunday.

The poll revealed a more even split among those who thought Israel should carry out military action against Iran's nuclear programme, with 45.8 per cent saying it should, and 37.9 per cent saying it should not.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated that Israel reserved the right to strike Iran by itself to prevent it gaining nuclear weapons capability.

The poll's error margin was 4.4 per cent.

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