Iran is dangerously near nuclear weapons — former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein

Israel sees the dangers of nuclear-capable parties in conflict, with former Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein warning on Nov. 13 that Iran is dangerously close to obtaining nuclear weapons, echoing concerns about deterrence and the risk of global escalation.

Edelstein expressed this concern during the Fifth Kyiv Jewish Forum, highlighting how Russia's nuclear potential in the Ukrainian conflict has impacted the global response. He emphasized the urgency, saying that while he speaks to Jewish communities in Ukraine, this is also a call to U.S. and European leaders. "One day, it may be too late," he warned.

On Donald Trump's potential re-election, Edelstein praised the former president's pro-Israel record, citing actions like moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. He urged the next U.S. administration, regardless of leadership, to continue supporting Ukraine, criticizing the "America First" approach as a negative signal in global politics.

The Fifth Kyiv Jewish Forum, organized by the Jewish Confederation of Ukraine and The Jerusalem Post, focuses on confronting the modern "axis of evil" — Russia, Iran, and North Korea — as well as addressing rising anti-Semitism and strengthening global Jewish unity.