Benjamin Netanyahu Responds Publicly to Critics: "Here I Am Saying It"
The Prime Minister addressed critics at the start of the cabinet meeting, reviewed the status of various war fronts, and officially rejected the 15-point document regarding the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed criticism regarding the current situation on all war fronts at the start of the cabinet meeting on Sunday.
"You have certainly noticed an interesting point: Iran attacks all countries in the region and even beyond, but there is one country it does not attack — the State of Israel. Why have long weeks passed without an attack on us? Because it knows what a powerful blow we will land in return," he stated.
Netanyahu also addressed rumors of Israeli weakness: "The most amusing thing is that these attacks come from people who preached for a full retreat from the Gaza Strip, advised against entering Lebanon, and opposed striking Iran. I would like to review the situation front by front."
Regarding Iran, the Prime Minister emphasized: "I greatly appreciate US President Donald Trump; he is a great friend in the White House. I value the historic partnership with the United States against Iran's nuclear ambitions. I want to emphasize: with or without an agreement, as long as I am Prime Minister, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. Israel's existence is not up for negotiation."
Addressing the situation in Lebanon, Netanyahu added: "In recent days, Israel has acted powerfully, eliminating terrorists, including on the Ali Taher ridge. We are working with determination and prudence alongside the IDF to eliminate threats."
He further clarified the status of the 15-point document: "Israel rejects this document. The IDF will not retreat until Hamas is disarmed. We are talking about real, not fictitious disarmament, covering all weaponry. We are in talks with the Americans; some of their ideas are acceptable, some are not, and we know how to stand our ground."
In conclusion, he noted: "We do what is necessary for Israel's security and know how to stand firm even against our best friends. We have proven this by entering Rafah and the Philadelphi Corridor, eliminating Hassan Nasrallah, and striking Iran twice."
The "Heroism Forum" welcomed the Prime Minister's statement, labeling the roadmap a "map of blood" for Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also expressed support: "We went to war with the goal of destroying Hamas militarily, civilly, and administratively. The IDF cannot retreat by a millimeter until the complete demilitarization of the Gaza Strip."
