Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Iran will never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, regardless of whether a new agreement between the United States and Iran is finalised, amid growing criticism in Israel over the proposed deal.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu declared that Iran would not possess nuclear weapons “today or tomorrow,” stressing that Israel remains committed to preventing what it considers an existential threat.
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Defending his government’s actions, the Israeli leader said the country’s recent measures had eliminated an immediate danger and protected Israel from what he described as the threat of total destruction. He argued that the government’s security decisions had significantly strengthened the nation’s safety.
Netanyahu’s remarks came after criticism from both opposition leaders and members of his own coalition. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett accused the current government of failing in its handling of Iran, claiming its tenure had been marked by internal divisions, the October 7 attacks, and what he termed a historic diplomatic setback.
Bennett also suggested he would have pursued a different diplomatic strategy by leveraging stronger ties with US President Donald Trump to advance Israel’s national interests.
Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stated that any agreement reached between Washington and Tehran would not be binding on Israel, signalling continued resistance within the government to the proposed deal.
Responding to speculation about differences with President Trump, Netanyahu acknowledged that the two leaders do not always share the same views but insisted that Israel would continue to safeguard its security interests independently and with caution.
The Prime Minister also ruled out withdrawing Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, despite suggestions that the issue could complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. He said Israel had established strategic security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria to protect its borders and would maintain its presence in those areas for as long as necessary.
Highlighting recent military operations, Netanyahu said Israel had dismantled key terrorist infrastructure and neutralised senior militant leaders, asserting that these actions had prevented a serious threat to Israeli citizens. He reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon until the country’s security objectives were fully achieved.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
