Netanyahu: 'Nothing is Over Yet With Iran'; Trump Holds Key to Military Escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded U.S. President Donald Trump as "the greatest friend of Israel in the White House," asserting that the two leaders share common ground on critical matters involving Iran. In an interview with CNBC, Netanyahu acknowledged occasional tactical disagreements between the U.S. and Israel but stressed that these are resolved. He declined to comment on reports suggesting Trump had called him "crazy" in a private conversation. Netanyahu reiterated his stance on the need for Lebanon's demilitarization and Hezbollah's disarmament, arguing that peace is impossible without the Shiite organization's defeat. He defended Israeli operations in Lebanese territory, noting that many adversaries of Israel are based in Beirut. The situation on the Lebanese front is a significant obstacle in U.S.-Iran negotiations, with Iran warning of further escalation if attacks on Hezbollah continue. Netanyahu underscored that the objective for both him and Trump is to prevent Tehran from posing a threat to Israel and the United States. He believes Iran has been significantly weakened but stressed that "nothing is over yet." The decision on any further military escalation, he stated, lies with President Trump. Both American and Israeli forces are prepared for all eventualities, and Netanyahu suggested that the opening of the Strait of Hormuz could be enforced militarily if necessary. He indicated that Trump is considering various options to manage the crisis, with the leaders communicating roughly every two days. Netanyahu also maintained that Iran has not yet agreed to remove its nuclear material, despite increasing international pressure.