Skip to main content

Zarif gives Netanyahu lesson in Jewish scripture

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments on ancient Persia have angered Iranian officials.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif attends a joint news conference with Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo, Japan, December 7, 2016. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon - RTSV1FS

Iranian officials harshly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his accusations against Iran over a biblical story from 2,500 years ago.

During an open session of parliament March 12, Speaker Ali Larijani said, “It is necessary to discuss two points about the leader of the Zionist regime [Israel]. First, he has distorted the history of pre-Islamic Iran, and he has reversed the events.” Larijani continued, “Apparently, he knows neither history nor has he read the Torah. Of course more cannot be expected from a nefarious Zionist to spread lies like this.”

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.