Netanyahu Asserts Israel's Independent Military Stance Against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a firm declaration: Israel won’t wait for any approval from the United States before advancing its military operations targeting Iran's nuclear infrastructure. In a rare interview conducted in Hebrew, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is fully capable and determined to strike all Iranian nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordo site.
Determined to Hit All Nuclear Sites
“We will accomplish our objectives and target every nuclear installation,” Netanyahu stated confidently. His remarks come shortly after US President Donald Trump indicated that he might decide within two weeks whether to join Israel in these operations, citing ongoing possibilities for diplomatic negotiations with Iran.
While Trump has left the door open for talks, Netanyahu makes it clear that Israel's course of action remains unchanged regardless of the US’s ultimate decision. “Whether President Trump chooses to participate or not is his decision,” Netanyahu said. “He will do what’s best for the United States; I will do what’s best for Israel.”
No Permission Required
The prime minister was explicit that Israel seeks no foreign authorization to conduct its campaign. “We are not asking for a green light from anyone. We must act because we cannot allow 3,500 years of Jewish history to be threatened by this deranged ayatollah,” he asserted, referencing Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Progress Report: Ahead of Schedule
Netanyahu revealed Israel is “ahead of schedule,” having already demolished about half of Iran’s missile launchers and eliminated key military commanders. He mentioned ongoing strikes against paramilitary groups like the Basij militia, critical in quashing internal dissent within Iran. Additionally, Israel has inflicted substantial damage on Iran’s internal security apparatus and plans to continue targeting symbolic government structures.
Relationship with the US: Close Yet Independent
Although Israel is ready to act alone, Netanyahu recognizes the value of US backing. He disclosed frequent dialogue with President Trump, describing their conversations as “very good,” yet declined to provide specifics. He contrasted Trump’s acknowledgment of Israel’s right to self-defense with the previous US administration’s more restrictive stance on Israeli operations against Iranian proxies.
Regime Change Left to Iranian People
On the prospect of regime change in Iran, Netanyahu noted it is fundamentally a matter for the Iranian people themselves. Still, he insisted Israel is deliberately targeting government infrastructure and regime symbols with more actions anticipated. Calling Supreme Leader Khamenei a “deranged ayatollah,” Netanyahu stressed Israel will do “everything necessary” to eliminate the existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Is Khamenei a Target?
When asked if Khamenei is effectively marked for elimination, Netanyahu responded carefully: “I have instructed that no one is immune.” He preferred not to engage in headline-grabbing statements, instead emphasizing that actions will speak volumes. He underscored that precise language and calculated measures are critical in wartime, hinting at internal expectations for his defense ministers to follow suit.
