Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed members of the Security Cabinet that he plans to resist any U.S. demands for a broad withdrawal from Gaza, southern Lebanon, or Syrian territories.
According to the "Israel Hayom" newspaper, Netanyahu stated during a Cabinet meeting that the United States presented a list of demands, including comprehensive withdrawals from the three fronts in Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon. He explicitly expressed his intention to oppose such demands, stating, "I intend to oppose this, and I will tell them no."
These remarks precede an upcoming meeting between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, amidst ongoing consultations between the two sides regarding regional security developments.
The Iranian Issue
Netanyahu also mentioned that he would press Trump to maintain "constant monitoring" of Iran's nuclear program, despite not having new intelligence on Tehran's potential to develop nuclear weapons.
In an interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Netanyahu clarified that Israeli and American intelligence agencies maintain close cooperation. He looks forward to discussing Trump's vision for dealing with Iran, emphasizing that the final decision in this matter rests with the U.S. president.
Netanyahu stated that strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian nuclear facilities have delayed Iran's nuclear program by "several years," cautioning that Tehran might attempt to rebuild its capabilities.
He added, "We delayed the program, but that does not mean they will not try to reconstitute it. Therefore, we must remain in constant surveillance to prevent its resurgence."
Stern Warning
In the same interview, Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Iran, asserting that Israel will respond "forcefully" to any Iranian attack, whether directly executed by Iran or through its regional allies.
Speaking on Fox News, he declared, "Any firing from Iran, direct or indirect, will be met with a strong response," cautioning that such a step by Tehran would be "a very serious mistake."
He further stated that the confrontation with Iran will end "either with the fall of the Iranian regime or when Iran pays for all its regional activities," accusing Tehran of destabilizing the region and targeting its neighbors.
Netanyahu also warned against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, saying, "Look at what they are doing without a nuclear weapon, and imagine what they would do if they had one."
Mutual Warnings
Netanyahu's statements follow a warning from the Iranian military that the scope of the war would widen if the U.S. continued strikes on Iran. Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akram Nia indicated that any new U.S. engagement alongside Israel would geographically expand the confrontation, noting that operations have already extended to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the entrance to the Red Sea.
He added that Iran "is prepared for every option and every possible scenario," as Washington prepares to host Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, where issues regarding Iran, Gaza, Syria, and Lebanon are expected to dominate talks with President Trump.
These statements come amid escalating military and political tensions in the region, with ongoing U.S. strikes on Iranian targets, and indirect diplomatic communications between Washington and Tehran via intermediaries, alongside internal U.S. administration discussions about the future of military deployments in the region.