Netanyahu on Iran deal: ‘We don’t know what the agreement will be’

Netanyahu argued that the current situation differs from previous diplomatic efforts because of military pressure on Iran.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel does not yet know the final terms of the emerging agreement between the United States and Iran, but he insisted that any deal must be backed by a credible military threat. He also reiterated his commitment to preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Speaking at his first press conference since March, Netanyahu argued that the current situation differs from previous diplomatic efforts because of military pressure on Iran.

“Any agreement must be accompanied by a credible military threat,” Netanyahu said. “During Obama’s time, there was no military threat. Today, because we carried out 14,000 sorties, there is a credible military threat against Iran.”

The prime minister said preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has been the central focus of his public life, and he pledged to continue pursuing that objective regardless of the outcome of negotiations.

“I have devoted most of my life to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said. “We will do what is necessary, and I do not limit myself in any way regarding that objective — Iran will not have nuclear weapons.”

Netanyahu called the effort to stop Iran’s nuclear program “the mission of my life.” “With or without an agreement, Iran will not have nuclear weapons. As long as I am prime minister, it will not happen,” he vowed.

Addressing reports of tension between him and President Donald Trump, Netanyahu said they do not always agree but maintain a longstanding relationship.

“Trump and I have known each other for many years,” he said. “Many times we see things eye to eye, and sometimes we don’t. I am responsible for Israel’s security interests and must act without grandstanding.”

Netanyahu also rejected suggestions that Operation Rising Lion had failed to achieve its objectives.

“Who said I was wrong?” he replied when asked about the operation. Israel, he said, removed what he described as an existential threat, inflicted major damage on Iran’s economy and infrastructure, and created conditions that could allow the Iranian people to challenge the regime.

On Lebanon, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain its security presence in the north.

“We will remain in the security zone as long as necessary,” he said, adding that Israel would preserve its freedom of action against threats.

The prime minister also stated that Israel would continue maintaining security zones in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria and would not allow terrorist organizations to establish themselves along its borders.

Asked about domestic politics, Netanyahu said, “I am going to run in the next election, and I intend to win.”

The press conference was held shortly after President Donald Trump said the agreement with Iran had already been signed and that the Strait of Hormuz was partially open, adding that sanctions would remain in place until Iran fulfills its obligations.

The Prime Minister’s Office later said Netanyahu had never identified the overthrow of Iran’s ayatollah regime as an official objective but had called on the Iranian people to rise up against those ruling them.