Netanyahu: Israel hit Iran without waiting for Trump's green light
Key Takeaways
- Netanyahu said Israel acted without seeking permission from allies to expand military operations.
- He vowed Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons and said Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon as long as necessary.
- Israel plans to increase defence spending while US-Iran and Lebanon-Israel negotiations continue.
Israeli prime minister says military action strengthened national security and insists Israel will remain in southern Lebanon while preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended Israel's expanded military operations across Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, saying the campaigns have strengthened the country's security despite international criticism.
Speaking on Monday, Netanyahu said Israel acted without seeking approval from its allies and maintained that military action prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
"I did not ask for permission; I simply informed him [Trump] of our plans. And I was pleased that he also joined toward the end, which was very important [...] We will not sit and watch while Iran comes and destroys our cities, destroys our citizens, and thousands—if not tens of thousands—die," said Netanyahu.
The Israeli leader said stopping Iran's nuclear programme remained the government's top security objective.
"As long as I am prime minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. And another thing: as long as I am prime minister, we will maintain the security zone south of Lebanon for as long as necessary to safeguard the security of Israel's north," he added.
Netanyahu also argued that Israel's operations had weakened Iran's military capabilities.
"The greatest achievement is that if we had not acted when we did, and if we had not struck them forcefully, Iran would already have had nuclear bombs intended for our destruction. We pushed that threat away," he argued.
On defence policy, Netanyahu announced plans to increase Israel's defence spending by 350 billion shekels over the next decade, saying the investment would strengthen domestic weapons production while preserving international partnerships.
"I want the State of Israel to be independent. Because I want an independent domestic defence industry, as self-sufficient as possible," he said.
"We will also expand our alliances. We will preserve our existing alliances and broaden them, but first and foremost, we must be self-reliant," Netanyahu stated.
The remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue alongside military tensions. High-level talks between the United States and Iran were held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators to discuss implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran.
Lebanon and Israel also began a new round of direct talks in Washington on Tuesday, despite Iran's efforts to include Lebanon in its agreement with the United States.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
