Netanyahu Defends Regional Military Campaigns, Vows to Prevent Iran Nuclear Capability and Maintain Lebanon Security Zone.
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister has strongly defended Israel’s recent military operations across the region, declaring that his government will continue to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary.
Speaking at the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel Conference, Netanyahu said Israel’s military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran had significantly improved the country’s security despite criticism from domestic and international opponents.
Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Netanyahu stated that while Hezbollah remains active in the country, Israel has established a security buffer zone that prevents the group and its remaining forces from launching attacks or infiltrating northern Israel. He said Israeli forces continue to dismantle underground infrastructure used by Hezbollah and emphasized that the security environment along the northern border has fundamentally changed.
The prime minister also highlighted Israel’s efforts to counter the growing threat posed by explosive drones. He described the challenge as a global problem and said Israel aims to become the first nation to fully solve it through advanced technological and military solutions.
Netanyahu defended the decision to expand military operations into Rafah during the Gaza conflict despite warnings from allies, including the United States. He argued that halting the offensive would have resulted in no meaningful achievements against militant groups operating in the area.
Turning to Syria, Netanyahu said Israeli intervention had helped protect the Druze community and reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to safeguarding Druze populations in the region.
A major focus of the speech was Iran. Netanyahu reiterated that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons has been one of his central objectives throughout his political career. He revealed that Israel had conducted numerous covert operations inside Iran and defended the launch of “Operation Rising Lion,” which targeted Iranian capabilities and leadership structures despite concerns raised by critics.
Netanyahu also disclosed that he informed both former U.S. President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump of Israel’s intentions regarding military operations but insisted that Israel acted independently based on its national security interests.
Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu pledged that Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons under his leadership and vowed to maintain Israel’s security presence in southern Lebanon. He acknowledged that challenges remain in Gaza, Lebanon and in confronting Iran, but described the results of Israel’s military campaigns as “monumental” and essential for the country’s long-term security and prosperity.
