Netanyahu Vows to Prevent Nuclear Middle East, Defends War Strategy
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his commitment to preventing a nuclear Middle East and defended his government's actions regarding the October 7th attack and the ongoing war in Gaza. In an interview, he acknowledged intelligence failures but criticized the judicial system's involvement. Netanyahu denied receiving specific warnings about the Hamas attack and refuted claims about Qatari money directly funding Hamas. He asserted that war objectives are being met, including degrading Hamas and targeting Iran, and vowed to eliminate the Iranian regime to prevent nuclear proliferation. He also addressed the ultra-Orthodox draft law and defended Israel's economic performance.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to prevent a nuclear Middle East and do "everything" to achieve this goal.
- Netanyahu acknowledged intelligence failures leading to the October 7th attack but blamed opposition for blocking a bipartisan inquiry.
- He denied receiving specific warnings about the Hamas attack and refuted claims that Qatari money directly funded Hamas.
- Netanyahu asserted that Israel is achieving its war aims in Gaza and has neutralized Hamas's military threat.
- He stated that Israel has taken action against Iran's nuclear program and vowed to eliminate the regime to prevent nuclear proliferation.
- Netanyahu pledged to pass legislation mandating military service for ultra-Orthodox individuals not engaged in religious study.
- He defended Israel's economic performance, citing record foreign investment and export growth.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his commitment to preventing a nuclear Middle East, asserting that he would do "everything" to achieve this goal. In an interview with Newsru.co.il, conducted shortly before the upcoming elections where he seeks a seventh term as prime minister, Netanyahu addressed the October 7th Hamas attack, the ongoing war in Gaza, and Iran's nuclear program.
Netanyahu acknowledged intelligence and operational failures leading up to the October 7th attack, stating that the issue of why warnings were not acted upon is a serious one. He proposed a bipartisan investigative commission, modeled after the US 9/11 commission, but noted opposition from the public and the judicial system. He criticized the Supreme Court, or Bagatz, for becoming overly politicized and interfering in political and military matters, citing its role in halting the State Comptroller's investigation into the events.
Addressing claims that he was warned about the impending attack, Netanyahu vehemently denied them, stating the opposite is true. He explained that discussions in July 2023 concerned potential regional flare-ups but specifically excluded Gaza, with Hamas seeking quiet and a deterrence factor in place. He also refuted the notion that Qatari money directly funded Hamas, distinguishing between funds for humanitarian purposes and cash transfers.
Regarding the war's objectives, Netanyahu asserted that the goals of returning hostages and degrading Hamas's military and governing capabilities are being met. He claimed the elimination of Hamas leadership, including Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar, and stated that Israel has neutralized Hamas's military threat. He also highlighted actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon and operations targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, suggesting these have removed an immediate existential threat.
Netanyahu reiterated his stance against a nuclear Iran, emphasizing that as long as the current regime persists, it will seek nuclear weapons. He expressed his intention, alongside former US President Donald Trump, to eliminate the Iranian regime entirely to ensure long-term security for Israel. He also criticized political opponents like Gadi Eisenkot for advocating for a deal with Hamas and for suggesting that living with a nuclear Iran is possible.
On the domestic front, Netanyahu discussed the controversial ultra-Orthodox draft law, vowing to pass legislation that mandates military service for those not engaged in Torah study. He also addressed criticism regarding his government's economic policies, highlighting strong foreign investment and export growth, and defended his approach to the judicial reform, aiming to restore balance between the branches of government.
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