Netanyahu's first press conference on the war in Iran: We have formed an unprecedented alliance

Netanyahu stated that Hezbollah would pay a "heavy price" for its attacks on Israel. He also expressed that Israel is working to create the groundwork for the Iranian people to overthrow the current administration. 

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, noting that Israel is trying to create a suitable environment for the public in Iran to protest, remarked, "You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink." 

Stating that Israel is trying to create these conditions through airstrikes, Netanyahu argued that the attacks aim to open up space for the Iranian people to take to the streets.

Targeting Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, Netanyahu said, "We eliminated the old tyrant. The new tyrant, who is a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, cannot even appear before the people."

Netanyahu issued a veiled threat to Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, stating, "If I were an insurance agent, I would not issue a life insurance policy to these two individuals."

Netanyahu stated that they have warned the Lebanese government, saying, "We told the Lebanese government that they are playing with fire. If they continue to allow Hezbollah to operate without being disarmed, they will have chosen their own fate. If they do not act, we will."

The Israeli Prime Minister also said there could be "surprises" regarding the course of the war. Stating that he would not disclose the details of the operations, Netanyahu remarked, "I need to create a certain degree of fog of war in this press conference."

Netanyahu argued that Israel is in a stronger position on the ground than they had expected, saying, "We have much more superiority than we expected, and we will achieve all our goals."

"I TOLD YOU WE WOULD CHANGE THE MIDDLE EAST"

Netanyahu said that Israel is in a much stronger position in the region than it was before.

Netanyahu stated, "I told you that we would change the entire Middle East; in terms of enemies and friends. I said that Israel would be stronger than ever. Now everyone sees this; including our neighbors, both our enemies and our friends."

The Israeli Prime Minister also mentioned that he has met with many world leaders and that these leaders are impressed by Israel's military power. Netanyahu remarked, "They are surprised by our power and capacity. They want to be closer to us and be our friends."

Netanyahu also stated that Israel has accelerated its diplomatic initiatives while the war continues. Saying that they are in contact to form new partnerships with regional countries, Netanyahu said, "Together with my team, we are building new alliances in the region. We are working on relationships that seemed like a dream a few weeks ago."

Touching on the issue of overthrowing the administration in Iran, Netanyahu stated that this would only be possible through the efforts of the Iranian people. Netanyahu said, "We have clearly stated that the regime cannot be overthrown without the efforts of the Iranian people. We have also conveyed to them that help is on the way."

Avoiding speaking clearly about what will happen at the end of the war, Netanyahu said, "I will not say what will happen at the end of the day. We know, we hope, and we understand that you also hope for this regime to fall."

Netanyahu argued that even if the Iranian administration is not overthrown, it will be seriously weakened, but that the problem would be completely solved if the regime falls.

Netanyahu argued that both Sunni and Shia radical Islam pose a global threat. Netanyahu said, "Extremist Islam is a threat to the whole world. We cannot say that this will resolve itself."

"WE HAVE FORMED AN UNPRECEDENTED ALLIANCE WITH THE US"

Netanyahu described the alliance they have formed with the US as "unprecedented." Expressing that they are in regular contact with Trump, Netanyahu said that the two leaders frequently exchange ideas and make joint decisions.

Netanyahu stated that he recently spoke with Trump on the phone and conveyed that the US President told him the relationship between the two countries is much stronger than any relationship between past American presidents and Israeli prime ministers.

Netanyahu said that Trump emphasized during the meeting that the two countries are thinking not only of today but also of the future. According to Netanyahu, Trump stated that the Israel-US cooperation is important "not only for the interests of the two countries, but for future generations and the future of humanity."

News Source: 12punto