Israeli opposition leader to visit United States in response to Iran deal

WASHINGTON, July 15 (UPI) -- Isaac Herzog, Israel's Zionist Union opposition leader, will visit the United States in response to the Iran nuclear deal as to "demand a dramatic package of security measures for Israel."

Although political rivals, Herzog and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both contend the Iran nuclear deal was a mistake.

"With regard to security, I am more extreme than Netanyahu," Herzog said Tuesday. "In light of the situation, we must do everything within our power to improve our security... I have full confidence in the power of the State of Israel, and the unity and the power of our society to face and overcome any challenge and risks that lie in its path."

Herzog said that a deal with Iran, a country that "funds, trains and nurtures terrorist organizations," was detrimental to Israel and its future. He also said he has been in communication with The American Israel Public Affairs Committee and other bodies as he plans his U.S. visit.

U.S. President Barack Obama called Netanyahu on Tuesday in an attempt to persuade the Israeli leader over the deal.

Obama told Netanyahu the deal "will verifiably prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while ensuring the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program going forward," according to the White House.

Obama "underscored his administration's stalwart commitment to Israel's security and noted that the (agreement) will remove the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran" and "will not diminish our concerns regarding Iran's support for terrorism and threats toward Israel."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter is set to visit Israel sometime next week as a "reflection of the unprecedented level of security cooperation " between the two countries.