Netanyahu Vows Action Against Iran's Nuclear Aspirations Amid Escalating Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will not allow Iran to obtain nuclear weapons, irrespective of international agreements. He argued that the recent conflict has achieved significant strategic objectives and defended his military policies and relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, while also announcing his intention to run in the upcoming elections.

In a press conference reported by "Maariv", held at his office in Jerusalem, Netanyahu addressed growing criticism within Israel over the U.S.-Iran nuclear deal talks and the aftermath of the recent conflict.

Netanyahu emphasized that Iran will not achieve nuclear capability as long as he is in power, stating, "Neither today nor tomorrow." He credited Israel’s cooperation with the United States for averting an existential threat.

He claimed that recent Israeli military operations disrupted Iranian nuclear scientists' plans, eliminated key Iranian leaders, and caused substantial damage to Iran's nuclear facilities and missile capabilities.

The Prime Minister asserted that Israel acted to prevent an existential threat that was approaching, suggesting Iran was accelerating towards nuclear armament before the conflict.

He declared, "If we had not acted, everyone would have been at risk of mass death, but we have averted the extermination threat against the Israeli people for many years."

Netanyahu also stressed the conflict is not over and that Israel will continue to vigilantly defend itself at any cost, which includes addressing what he termed as Iran’s regional proxies.

Discussing the military operations against Hamas, Netanyahu mentioned the Israeli military had successfully targeted key Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, as well as thousands of militants, according to his account.

Turning to the Lebanese front, Netanyahu recalled the warnings of significant human losses within Israel if a broad confrontation with Hezbollah occurred. He added that these projections did not materialize, asserting that Israel regained strategic areas like the Beaufort area and established security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

He confirmed Israeli forces would remain in these zones as long as necessary for security, also claiming the destruction of the Syrian army's arsenal under Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Netanyahu highlighted that the events of October 7 prompted Israel to overhaul its security doctrine, ensuring no armed group will again pose a threat close to its citizens.

He claimed Israel is now stronger than ever, while the Iranian axis has weakened, according to his view.

He also pledged to enhance Israel's regional and international standing through new alliances and advancing military and technological capabilities, allocating an additional 350 billion shekels for defense.

Regarding his relationship with former President Trump, Netanyahu stated they have known each other for many years, agreeing and disagreeing on various issues.

He noted that he protects Israel’s interests through a pragmatic understanding of the U.S. political landscape, claiming to perform this role to the best possible standards.

In response to critiques concerning the war aims against Iran, Netanyahu denied ever stating that the war's direct goals included toppling the Iranian regime or completely eliminating the existential threat.

He clarified Israel's goals were to neutralize the nuclear threat, diminish missile risks, and create conditions for the Iranian populace to undermine the regime's control.

Netanyahu noted Iran is enduring extreme economic hardship, with substantial infrastructure damage, and internal fractures within the regime, but acknowledged uncertainty regarding when these might lead to the regime's downfall.