Netanyahu: Iran Top Threat, Israel Ready to Strike Without US
Translated & summarized from Arab48 by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has identified Iran as Israel's primary security threat, declaring readiness to strike its nuclear program independently of the U.S. He outlined a new security doctrine emphasizing proactive offense and independent arms production. Netanyahu also addressed threats from drones and cyber warfare, regional cooperation, and settler violence, which he condemned. He committed to pursuing an investigation into the October 7th events if re-elected, while opposing a specific judicial inquiry.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu declared Iran the top security threat, ready to strike its nuclear program without U.S. backing.
- Israel aims to overthrow the Iranian regime and shift from defense to proactive offensive security policies.
- Netanyahu stressed developing independent weapons production to reduce reliance on U.S. aid and exports.
- He detailed threats including Iran, drone swarms, cyber warfare, and settler violence, which he condemned.
- Netanyahu pledged to pursue an investigation into the October 7th events if re-elected.
- Israel will not permit Gaza reconstruction before complete disarmament and demilitarization.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared Iran the foremost security threat to Israel, stating that Tel Aviv is prepared to launch a preemptive strike against Iran's nuclear program, even without prior coordination or support from the United States. Netanyahu outlined this updated security concept and priorities during a security briefing, marking the first such document he has drafted in about a decade. He identified the strategic objective for the security establishment as the overthrow of the Iranian regime, emphasizing that Israel's actions would be independent of American approval.
Netanyahu asserted that "90% of the work regarding Iran has already been accomplished," and pointed to Iran's economic crisis and internal protests as indicators of its regime's weakness. He stressed a shift from a policy of "containment and defense" to "proactive offense," alongside developing an independent weapons production capability in Israel to reduce reliance on U.S. aid and exports.
He detailed the hierarchy of major threats, placing Iran's nuclear program, intercontinental ballistic missile project, and regional influence at the top, followed by drone swarms capable of attacking infrastructure and command systems, for which defensive lines and technological solutions are being deployed. Other threats include precision missiles, cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and illegal weapons within Israel. Netanyahu also warned of potential mass border infiltrations, noting the construction of a security wall on the eastern border to counter ground incursions and drones.
Regarding the regional landscape, Netanyahu cautioned against cooperation between Iran and Turkey-led "Muslim Brotherhood" elements, while also acknowledging "a common interest driving covert collaborations with countries in the region." He stated that decisive decisions since October 7, 2023, were made by him, often contrary to the views of most security leaders.
Concerning Gaza, Netanyahu indicated that Israel would not permit the reconstruction of infrastructure before achieving complete disarmament and demilitarization, mentioning an Emirati plan near the "security zone." He also addressed settler violence in the West Bank, describing it as acts of lawlessness that harm the state, despite claiming the phenomenon's scale is exaggerated. He stated he has instructed the Shin Bet security agency to take steps to eradicate this issue.
On the investigation into the October 7 events, Netanyahu announced that if re-elected, he would resume the State Comptroller's examination and push for an inquiry commission. However, he opposed a formal commission led by Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, citing his alleged pre-existing political stances.
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