Netanyahu Unveils New Security Doctrine, Discusses Turkey, Russia, and Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a rare press briefing Sunday, presenting Israel's new security doctrine which shifts from containment to offense. The document, titled "Security Concept - Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister," outlines key threats including nuclear weapons, precision missiles, drones, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, illegal weapons within Israel, hostile regional axes, and international delegitimization efforts. The ten guiding principles for future security policy include preventing nuclear weapons, deterrence, early warning, initiative, border defense, building alliances, technological independence, combating delegitimization, striving for victory, and strengthening national spirit. Netanyahu also announced an allocation of approximately 450 billion shekels for future defense capabilities, emphasizing the need for expanded Israeli defense manufacturing and an increased defense budget.

During the briefing, Netanyahu addressed growing tensions with Turkey, acknowledging a disagreement with U.S. President Donald Trump on the issue. "We usually see eye to eye, but he is the leader of the United States and he cares about the United States, and he makes his decisions. And I am the Prime Minister of Israel, and I care about the future of the Jewish state, and it's not always the same thing. One of the things we don't agree on is Turkey," Netanyahu stated. He confirmed Israel had acted to prevent Turkey from expanding its presence into an airbase in Syria, expressing hope to avoid a direct confrontation but stating that relations are unlikely to improve under President Erdoğan. Israel is preparing for various scenarios, including through regional alliances.

Netanyahu also criticized Russia's actions, particularly its cooperation with Iran during the Ukraine war, which he described as contrary to Israeli interests. He pointed to a campaign of "bots spreading the most vulgar antisemitism" against Israel online, which he said Israel raises directly with Russia. Despite these issues, Israel continues to cooperate with Russia when common interests align.

Regarding Iran, Netanyahu declared that Israel's objective is no longer limited to targeting its nuclear program but also includes the overthrow of the Ayatollah regime. "Our plan is a very comprehensive and very determined plan to bring about the fall of the regime. This is my plan. This is the directive I have given to all security elements, and this is what will be," he asserted. He emphasized that Israel's objectives are independent of U.S. approval and that Israel is prepared to act alone if necessary, as it has in the past.

Finally, addressing the security lapse exposed in the Fly Dubai incident, Netanyahu stated that preliminary conclusions have been drawn and that security teams require vetting. He described it as an international challenge requiring changes in aviation security and cooperation with other countries.