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Netanyahu at IDF's pilot course graduation: 'With or without deal, Iran won't have nuclear weapons'

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons, regardless of any deal.
  • He asserted that successful Israeli operations against Iran over the past year averted the country from arming itself with nuclear weapons.
  • Netanyahu highlighted the military's preparedness and commitment to air superiority, drawing parallels between recent preemptive strikes and historical operations like that opening the Six-Day War.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared forcefully on Thursday that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons, asserting this stance "with or without a deal." Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the Israeli Air Force's 192nd pilot course at Hatzerim Air Force Base, Netanyahu credited past Israeli actions for preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.

The skies of the Middle East have seen unprecedented activity over the past year - and in particular the two successful operations we launched against Iran. If we had not acted, Iran would have armed itself with nuclear weapons

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu explained Israel's role in preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

"The skies of the Middle East have seen unprecedented activity over the past year - and in particular the two successful operations we launched against Iran. If we had not acted, Iran would have armed itself with nuclear weapons," Netanyahu stated. He characterized the Iranian regime as "terrorist" and reiterated Israel's clear policy: "with or without a deal - Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

Our pilots carried out thousands of sorties and attacks. They landed a powerful opening blow on Iran. These preemptive strikes are in line with operations that we all know from the past, such as Operation Focus that opened the Six-Day War

— Benjamin NetanyahuPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the impact of preemptive strikes against Iran.

Netanyahu emphasized the military's readiness for any scenario, underscoring air superiority as a cornerstone of national security. He also spoke about promoting "weapons independence" and equipping pilots with advanced tools. The Prime Minister drew a historical parallel, comparing recent preemptive strikes against Iran, conducted in cooperation with the United States, to Operation Focus, which initiated the Six-Day War, stating they averted "a threat of immediate annihilation."

The State of Israel today is stronger, more determined, and more powerful

— Israel KatzDefense Minister Israel Katz addressed the strength and determination of Israel.

Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed these sentiments, referencing a previous message to Iran's leadership and detailing operations where "many of the regime's seniors" were eliminated. IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir assured attendees that the military is on "immediate alert for takeoff," with hundreds of aircraft ready to respond to any threat.

In recent weeks, hundreds of the force's aircraft have been on immediate alert for takeoff.

— Eyal ZamirIDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir stated the military's readiness to respond to threats.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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