Netanyahu Says Israel Avoided an Immediate Threat of Destruction

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference on Monday evening and spoke publicly for the first time about the agreement between the United States and Iran, its implications, his relationship with President Donald Trump, and his plans for the next election. He said his life’s mission is fighting Iran’s nuclear program and insisted that, with or without any deal, Iran will not obtain nuclear weapons, “not today and not tomorrow.”

Netanyahu said Israel had “removed an immediate threat of destruction” and “saved the State of Israel from a nuclear annihilation threat.” He argued that Iran was racing toward a bomb shortly before Operation Rising Lion, and that without Israeli action “you all would have been in danger of mass death.” He added that Israel pushed the danger of “eliminating the population of Israel” away “for years.” He also claimed the campaign caused “huge damage” to Iran’s economy, which some estimate at $1 trillion.

The prime minister said the struggle is not over and Israel must remain vigilant, strong and determined, including against Iran’s terror arms. He said Israel will remain in the security zone in Lebanon “as long as necessary” to protect the country. Referring to the period since October 7, he said his guiding principle has been not to allow terror organizations to entrench themselves on Israel’s borders, adding that Israel has “broken the barrier of fear” and is striking those who seek to kill Israelis.

Addressing his ties with Trump, Netanyahu said they have known each other for many years and sometimes agree and sometimes do not. He said he defends Israel’s interests without bluster, and that doing so requires experience and familiarity with the American arena. When asked whether he might skip the upcoming election, he replied that he will run and intends to win.