Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a severe warning to the regime in Tehran during an interview with Fox News, clarifying the consequences of any potential strike against Israel. "I will say one thing, and I think I should say it very, very clearly", Netanyahu stated. "If Iran attacks Israel, whether directly or through proxies, whether through ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, or suicide drones, it will be making a terrible mistake. Because our response, Israel’s response, will be very, very forceful".
Addressing NYC Mayor Mamdani
The Prime Minister went on to address rising tensions in New York and recent statements directed against him by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Criticizing the mayor's conduct, Netanyahu said, "He is fanning the flames of hatred. He is supposed to be the mayor of all New Yorkers, Jews, Christians, Muslims, everyone. But he is trying to pit one group against another, stoking hatred and fear".
Netanyahu tied the rhetoric to recent violence in the city: "I talk to Jewish Americans in New York and they are scared right now. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that after he delivered that hate speech against Israel and against me, the very next day a Jewish man was stabbed outside a synagogue to shouts of 'Allahu Akbar'. You know what that means. So I think it’s shameful, very bad for New York, and very bad for peace".
Diplomatic Plans and Regional Accords
Despite protests and recent friction between Jerusalem and Washington, Netanyahu confirmed he is proceeding with plans to travel to the United States to address the United Nations General Assembly. "I intend to come and speak the truth, to speak on behalf of Israel and on behalf of the Israeli-American alliance from the UN podium", he noted.
Commenting on President Trump’s stance regarding Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu added, "President Trump was entirely correct when he said Saudi Arabia would receive a civil nuclear program in exchange for normalizing relations with Israel. I emphasize civil because the last thing we want, and I am sure the last thing the President wants, is a military nuclear program in Saudi Arabia". Netanyahu also hinted that additional Arab nations are in talks to join the Abraham Accords, while emphasizing that Israel will continue to neutralize threats from Hezbollah as necessary.
