Netanyahu defiant in face of isolation after Iran deal

He's got the right Man on his side:

Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suffered a major defeat in failing to stop a nuclear deal with Iran but he remains as defiant as ever even at the risk of further isolation. 

While the world's major powers welcomed the deal finalised with Iran on Tuesday as a historic moment capable of setting relations with the Islamic republic on a new path, Netanyahu harshly condemned it. 

For the 65-year-old savvy rightwing prime minister, the agreement was a "stunning, historic mistake." He stressed Israel would not be bound by the deal and -- again signalling that military force was not off the table -- said the country would "always defend ourselves." 

On Wednesday, he declared that the agreement was "not the end of the story." "We are going to continue to denounce the danger in reaching an agreement with a dictatorial regime," he said. 

Netanyahu argues that the deal will not block Iran's path to nuclear weapons that could be used to target the Jewish state and says the lifting of sanctions will allow it to further support proxy militants in the Middle East. 

While he has angered US President Barack Obama by appearing before Congress in Washington to argue against the agreement, there is wide support for Netanyahu's stand among his political allies in Israel.

AND THEN THERE'S THIS:

Reuters: Saudi media attack Iran deal as assault on Arab interests Riyadh's official reaction to the deal was a terse statement that welcomed any agreement that would ensure Iran could not develop a nuclear arsenal, but stressed the importance of tough inspections and the ability to reimpose sanctions quickly.
In private, however, Saudi officials fear an Iran released from international pressure and economic sanctions will have more freedom and money to back allies across the region who are opposed by Riyadh.