WASHINGTON (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has “every right” to voice his opposition to a potential nuclear deal with Iran but his fear that a deal would leave Israel vulnerable is unfounded, Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday.

Amid an unusual and highly vocal spat between the Obama administration and Israel over Iran, Kerry said he had great respect for Netanyahu and his concerns. But Kerry maintained that instead of making Israel less safe, an accord with Iran would actually reduce the country’s risk.

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