Netanyahu insists Israel “does not seek war”
Prime minister tells reporters his country will though do "everything" to defend itself
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the country doesn’t want to go to war, but will do everything it needs to, to protect itself.
Speaking at the weekly cabinet meeting, before a briefing was given by Chief of Staff Lt Gen Gadi Eizenkot, of whom Netanyahu said he had “full confidence” in, the Israeli PM told Russian President Vladimir Putin last week that Israel would take any action necessary against Iran and Lebanon.
He told reporters on Sunday: “The IDF is the strongest army in the Middle East, and thankfully so, because we are facing many challenges.
“As I made clear to [US] President [Donald] Trump and later to European leaders and to [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin — our presence here is the main factor hindering the expansion of radical Islam, led by Iran and Islamic State, in the Middle East, those factions also threat all other entities in the world.
“We do not seek war, but we will do everything that’s needed to defend ourselves.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
