▲ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
As follow-up negotiations for a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran face setbacks over the issue of ending the war in Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that there will be no compromise on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons or maintaining military pressure on its proxy, Hezbollah.
Speaking at a memorial ceremony on June 21 (local time) marking the 50th anniversary of the death of his older brother, Yoni Netanyahu, who was killed during the Entebbe hostage rescue operation, Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized, "No matter what diplomatic situation unfolds, we will never accept Iran possessing nuclear weapons. As long as I am the Prime Minister of Israel, that will never happen."
Recalling that he has "dedicated his life to this sacred mission" since his brother's death, he vowed to "stand firmly in defense of our vital national interests."
Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated his long-standing claim that Israel's military operations against Iran over the past year were launched "to eliminate the immediate existential threat posed by Iran's malevolent regime."
He further asserted, "If we had not taken preemptive action, they would have already obtained a nuclear bomb and would have used it."
Regarding the conflict with Hezbollah, Prime Minister Netanyahu also maintained a firm stance.
"We have achieved tremendous military successes, and we will never give them up," he stated. "We will continue to remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect our precious residents in northern Israel and the entire nation from Hezbollah's attacks."
Prime Minister Netanyahu added, "As the Prime Minister of Israel, I hold this position clearly and firmly, and nothing will change it."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.