Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his government’s military actions against Iran and its regional allies, declaring that Israel acted decisively to eliminate what he described as an existential threat to the Jewish state.
Addressing the JNS International Policy Summit, Netanyahu invoked a message previously delivered by his late father, saying that nations facing grave dangers must confront them directly instead of hesitating.
Quoting his father, Netanyahu said, “Iran vows to destroy the Jewish state. The people of Israel are showing the world how a nation should behave when faced with an existential threat. Stare unflinchingly at the danger, calmly consider what needs to be done and what can be done, and be ready to enter the fray at the proper moment.”
The Israeli leader used the speech to highlight what he called major strategic achievements secured over the past year, arguing that decisions criticised at the time ultimately strengthened Israel’s security position.
Netanyahu Defends Key Military Decisions
Netanyahu said he faced strong opposition before authorising military operations in Rafah, strikes against Hezbollah and direct actions targeting Iran. According to him, critics repeatedly warned against escalation, but he insisted those operations prevented larger threats from materialising.
“They told me not to enter Rafah. I entered Rafah. I was told not to strike Hezbollah. We struck Hezbollah. They told me not to confront Iran. We confronted Iran,” he said. The Prime Minister argued that these decisions disrupted Iran’s long-term plans and significantly weakened the capabilities of groups aligned with Tehran across the Middle East.
Claims of Major Damage to Iran’s Nuclear Programme
Netanyahu stated that joint operations conducted alongside the United States severely damaged Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He claimed Israel and the United States eliminated several top nuclear scientists, damaged missile production facilities and weakened key military assets linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
“We removed an existential danger,” Netanyahu said, adding that without Israeli intervention, Iran would have eventually acquired nuclear weapons. He also suggested that growing internal divisions between Iran’s government and its population could eventually destabilise the regime.
Promise That Iran Will Never Obtain Nuclear Weapons
One of the strongest messages in the speech was Netanyahu’s renewed pledge that Israel would prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear-armed state regardless of diplomatic outcomes.
“No matter what happens in the talks, with an agreement, without an agreement, I pledge to you that Iran, as long as I am Prime Minister of Israel, will never have a nuclear weapon,” he said.
The statement underscores Israel’s longstanding policy of opposing any Iranian nuclear capability that could potentially be weaponised.
Security Zones Will Remain
Netanyahu also defended Israel’s military presence near its borders, saying security zones established around Gaza, southern Lebanon and parts of Syria would remain as long as necessary.
He argued that every sovereign nation has the responsibility to protect its citizens from cross-border attacks.
“As long as we need to protect our people, we will remain in the security zone in South Lebanon,” he said.
Drawing a comparison with the United States, Netanyahu argued that any country facing similar threats would take similar measures to secure its borders.
Hezbollah and Hamas Operations Highlighted
The Prime Minister outlined operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, saying Israel had significantly degraded their military capabilities. He referred to the deaths of several militant leaders and said Israeli forces had prevented planned attacks against northern Israel.
Netanyahu also claimed that all Israeli hostages had been brought home following sustained military pressure, presenting it as one of his government’s most significant achievements.
Call to Combat Rising Antisemitism Worldwide
Beyond military issues, Netanyahu devoted a significant portion of his speech to rising antisemitism around the world. He urged Jewish communities abroad to confront misinformation and openly defend Israel rather than remain silent in the face of hostility.
“Stand up. Don’t cower. Don’t be afraid. Fight back. Because people will only respect us if we respect ourselves,” Netanyahu said. He added that Israel would continue fighting what he described as efforts to delegitimise the Jewish state internationally.
A Message of Resolve
Concluding his address, Netanyahu said Israel would continue prioritising national security regardless of international criticism or political pressure.
He praised Israeli soldiers, describing them as among the bravest in the world, and reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the country.
“These and other matters are the interests of the security of the State of Israel. I’ve devoted my life to protect the security of the State of Israel and nothing will change that,” he said.
The speech reflected Netanyahu’s broader strategy of projecting strength, deterrence and long-term preparedness amid ongoing tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas and wider regional security challenges.
