Netanyahu Unveils New Security Doctrine, Vows to Topple Iran's Regime

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has outlined a new security doctrine for Israel, emphasizing preemptive strikes, military independence, and new alliances. Speaking to journalists, Netanyahu declared that Israel's objective is the downfall of the Iranian regime, a directive he has given to security forces. He stated that Israel has completed approximately 90% of its mission against the Iranian threat but warned that the regime, as long as it remains in power, will continue to pursue nuclear and missile programs. Netanyahu sharply criticized political rivals, particularly Gadi Eisenkot, accusing them of being willing to accept a nuclear Iran.

Netanyahu presented a comprehensive list of threats, including the Shiite and Muslim Brotherhood axes, potential convergence of hostile fronts, internal security threats, illegal weapons in the West Bank, and international delegitimization. He highlighted the danger of precision missiles targeting gas rigs and strategic sites, noting that while nearly a thousand missiles were intercepted, Iran still possesses many accurate missiles. The Prime Minister also warned of new threats to the home front, such as drones, and announced the establishment of a special team to address this. He stressed the need to shorten development and procurement processes for military equipment due to the rapid pace of armament renewal.

The new doctrine prioritizes initiative and offense over containment. Netanyahu called for strengthening Israel's advantage in cyber, AI, quantum, and space technologies, alongside a significant increase in the defense budget and reduced reliance on foreign arms suppliers. He linked the need for munition independence to past US arms shipment delays under the Biden administration, advocating for expanded domestic production, including underground facilities for which over four billion shekels have been allocated.

Netanyahu also detailed plans for fortifying the eastern border with a barrier and offensive measures, aiming to protect against invasions and illegal immigration. He discussed buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as means to keep threats away from Israeli communities. The doctrine also addresses the battle for hearts and minds, calling for capabilities to counter Iranian propaganda and combat anti-Zionism and antisemitism globally. The tenth principle focuses on national cohesion, democratic governance, and the willingness to fight for national security.

Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu set a condition for reconstruction: the disarmament and demilitarization of the Strip. He expressed doubt that external forces would undertake this task and stated Israel would do so itself if necessary. He also dismissed the possibility of a foreign military presence in Gaza beyond a force for disarmament. In Lebanon, he warned that if the country does not disarm Hezbollah, Israel will act. Netanyahu also spoke of efforts to expand regional and international alliances to reduce dependence on the US, citing potential ties with India, Latin America, and Europe, and reiterated his firm opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Addressing the upcoming elections, Netanyahu acknowledged the race is much closer than some polls suggest, emphasizing that the outcome will be decided by a narrow margin. He stated his intention to form a right-wing government first, which could potentially expand later, and confirmed that Itamar Ben-Gvir's party would be part of the coalition. He aims to keep the defense and national security portfolios within the Likud party, depending on the election results.