Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reaffirmed that Israel will continue its military operations against Iran and its regional allies, even as discussions of a potential diplomatic resolution gain momentum.
In remarks following a conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu said Washington sees an opportunity to translate recent battlefield developments into a broader agreement. According to Netanyahu, such a deal could build on what he described as the “achievements” of Israeli forces and the U.S. military, while securing Israel’s core strategic interests.
Netanyahu made clear that military operations remain ongoing. He stated that Israeli forces are continuing strikes in both Iran and Lebanon, emphasizing a sustained effort to degrade Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear program.
Israel has also intensified its campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon. Netanyahu said Israeli operations are dealing heavy blows to Hezbollah’s infrastructure, reflecting a broader strategy aimed at weakening Tehran’s regional network of allied forces.
In a notable escalation, Netanyahu revealed that Israeli operations had recently targeted and killed two additional Iranian nuclear scientists. Such actions are likely to further inflame tensions, as they strike at the core of Iran’s disputed nuclear program and risk prompting retaliation.
While maintaining a firm military posture, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel remains open to diplomacy provided any agreement fully guarantees the country’s security. “We will safeguard our vital interests in any agreement,” he said, underscoring Israel’s longstanding position that it will not accept compromises it views as insufficient in curbing Iran’s capabilities.
The comments come at a time of heightened volatility across the region, with parallel tracks of military escalation and diplomatic signaling unfolding simultaneously. Netanyahu’s dual message continued strikes alongside conditional openness to a deal, highlights the delicate balance between force and negotiation as the crisis enters a critical phase.
