Netanyahu responds – “There are differences of opinion, but we agree on Iran”

At the center of the interview was Netanyahu’s disclosure regarding what is happening behind the scenes in the fight against Hezbollah. Netanyahu claimed that in recent days a silent formula had been formed: “They are committing war crimes and we are reacting. Some of their leaders are in Beirut and we are hurting them. However, an understanding developed two days ago that they will not harm Israeli territory – and we will not be harmed in Beirut. If there is harm from their side, of course we will respond.”

As a direct response to the criticism of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, who claimed that “there is no justification for the escalation in Beirut”. Netanyahu did not remain oblivious and attacked Macron head-on: “The escalation is on the part of Hezbollah. European leaders are pandering to extreme Islam. Real leaders must face public criticism and face fakes, and do what is right for the security of their citizens.”

Despite the harsh tones on the part of Trump, who admitted that he is frustrated that Israel’s fighting in Lebanon is sabotaging his chances of reaching a broad nuclear and energy agreement with Iran, Netanyahu chose to lower the level of the flames in front of the White House and heaped praise on the president: “Trump and I agree on the main things regarding Iran. Sometimes we have tactical disagreements, but we resolve them. Trump is the best president for Israel EVER.”

“This partnership has eroded Iran. Our two armies have worked together in Iran wonderfully. Iran has never been so weak,” Netanyahu said and added: “They still control the Strait of Hormuz? Yes, but we have greatly weakened the regime and you see the cracks. You see the Iranians fighting for the ability to pay and hold the economy. They can be economically pressured through the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz which I supported.”

In response to the pressure to end the war, Netanyahu compared his position to that of the leader of Great Britain in World War II: “People talk about Churchill – Churchill was also told at the time, ‘Why are you disturbing peace?’. We are facing an enemy that wants to destroy the country and democracy.”

He added that he draws a lot of encouragement from the rear and the front: “I enjoy the support of the citizens, and the support of the young generation who is fighting amazingly, what they sometimes call the ‘Tik Tok generation’.”

When asked by the interviewers whether he does not distinguish between anti-Semitism and legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies, Netanyahu replied in the absolute negative: “In previous centuries, we were made enemies and there was a Holocaust. Our people died, and the things that were hurled at the Jewish people over the years are now hurled at the Jewish state. Since the establishment of the State of Israel, we no longer allow us to be slaughtered. We fight back against terrorism and save our citizens.”