Netanyahu Vows to Block Iranian Nuclear Weapons

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Thursday that Israel will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons regardless of whether a diplomatic agreement is reached. Speaking at an Israeli Air Force ceremony at Hatzerim Airbase, Netanyahu attributed the degradation of Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure to preemptive strikes conducted in cooperation with the United States, specifically citing Operation Rising Lion in June 2025 and Operation Roaring Lion, which began in February 2026.

To maintain air superiority and security, Netanyahu announced a defense budget increase of 350 billion shekels (approximately $116-118 billion) over the next 10 years, focusing on expanding domestic munitions. While he asserted the Iranian axis is weaker than ever, he cautioned that the war is not yet over. This follows a recent escalation where U.S. President Donald Trump authorized airstrikes against 90 Iranian targets after Iran attacked commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, violating a 60-day ceasefire.

Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed that the military remains on high alert and prepared to launch a third campaign against Iran if necessary. Israeli officials emphasized that they will not withdraw from security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria, and remain ready to provide military cooperation to Washington upon request.