In a recent interview reported on July 26, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that the ongoing conflict with Iran will only come to an end under two conditions: either a regime change in Tehran or Iran finally realizing it must abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Netanyahu speaking during the Fox News interview
Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu stressed that Iran’s nuclear program must be stopped, regardless of whether a deal is on the table. He explained that the conflict would only resolve when “the regime in Iran is either toppled, or it’s sufficiently weakened to understand that it must end the nuclear program.”
He issued a stark warning: if Iran or any of its proxy groups launch an attack on Israel, they’d be making a “big mistake,” and Israel’s retaliation would be “very, very tough.”
When asked about his upcoming meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu downplayed the idea of sharing fresh intelligence, noting that the two countries’ intelligence agencies already collaborate closely. “It’s always good to sit down and hear what our good friend President Trump is thinking,” he said. He added that the discussions would focus on the trajectory of the Iran situation, emphasizing that “in many ways, it’s Trump’s decision.”
Netanyahu also mentioned his plans to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September, where he took the opportunity to criticize New York City Mayor Eric Adams for allegedly “inciting hatred against Jews.”
He accused Adams of “supporting Hamas murderers” and expressed concern over what he sees as a growing shift within the Democratic Party toward “anti-Israel fringe elements.” He also claimed that some Democratic lawmakers have changed their stances after their family members were harassed by activists.