‘Iran is renewing’ - Netanyahu warns nuclear threat returns
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu claimed Iran wants to renew its nuclear programme.
- He vowed Hamas would be disarmed "one way or the other".
- Netanyahu again rejected the creation of a Palestinian state.
The Israeli leader compared Tehran's nuclear ambitions to a returning "cancer" while also threatening further military action against Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed Iran is seeking to rebuild its nuclear programme despite the US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran.
Speaking during a television interview on Sunday, Netanyahu compared Iran's nuclear programme to a "cancer" that could return if it was not fully removed.
"We recognised this cancer, a cancerous mass, and you know that after you remove cancer, you know that if you don't remove it, you... Death," Netanyahu said.
"Cancer also has metastases. And if there are metastases, it will develop into a real renewed threat," he argued.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
'I am not guilty' - Evo Morales rejects charges, blames US influence
Netanyahu repeated the warning, claiming Tehran was attempting to revive its nuclear activities.
"Cancer also has metastases. And if there are metastases, it will develop into a real renewed threat. Iran is renewing, wants to renew its nuclear programme," he continued.
The Israeli prime minister also addressed the conflict in Gaza, promising to disarm Hamas "one way or the other" and leaving open the possibility of taking Gaza City.
"They will be disarmed. As it's said in English, how should I tell you? One way or the other. The easy way or the hard way. But I am committed to this, and I will do it," he said.
"But if they don't return the weapons, the IDF will conquer the city of Gaza and dismantle Hamas of its weapons," the interviewer interjected.
"If necessary, that's what will happen," Netanyahu added.
Netanyahu also rejected the creation of a Palestinian state.
"There will not be a Palestinian state, except for the politicians who are unwilling to admit it, but there will not be, and we will not allow a Palestinian state," he said.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Two bridges collapse in the Philippines after heavy rain hits Tarlac
His remarks come amid heightened tensions in the West Bank, where there has been a reported rise in settler violence, Israeli military raids and continued settlement expansion.
Netanyahu condemned what he called "criminal acts of violence" and described the settlers responsible as "a small group of young people who come with various troubles and problems".
The comments also come as the US-backed Gaza ceasefire remains under strain, amid continued Israeli strikes and disagreements over implementing a plan aimed at moving Gaza towards demilitarisation, reconstruction and civilian governance.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
