Extended interview: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
In a Nutshell
Netanyahu declares the war with Iran ongoing until its nuclear materials, enrichment sites, proxies like Hezbollah, and ballistic missiles are fully eliminated, crediting joint US-Israel strikes for degrading Iran's capabilities and preventing nuclear weaponization. Israel has achieved strategic dominance by smashing the Iran-led terror axis, securing a buffer against invasions, and fostering expanding Arab alliances like the Abraham Accords, while proposing to end US military aid in favor of equal partnerships. He urges resolve against fanaticism, combats anti-Israel social media propaganda and resurgent antisemitism, and vows accountability for October 7th failures amid protecting minorities like Christians.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Mr. Prime Minister, is the war with Iran over? And if it isn't, who will decide when it is? The war accomplished a great deal, but it's not over because there's still nuclear material, enriched uranium that has to be taken out of Iran. There are still enrichment sites that have to be dismantled. There are still proxies that Iran supports. There are ballistic missiles that they still want to produce. Much has been degraded, but all of that is still there, and there's work to be done.
This war cannot end until all those things are eliminated. Certainly want to get the nuclear material out and enrichment sites dismantled. Curbed a lot, degraded a lot of their missile production sites, but the agreement should cover all these areas, including the proxies. Can it end with a blockade and economic pressure as President Trump has led now, with non-military means? Fine if it can be accomplished. But if not, both the United States and Israel agree that if necessary, can re-engage them militarily.
If necessary, how to envision highly enriched uranium removed from Iran? Go in and take it out with special forces from Israel, special forces of the United States working in tandem under international supervision. President Trump said publicly he wants to go in there, and he's right. He's very committed. It can be done physically if there's an agreement. That's the best way.
What if there isn't an agreement? Can it be taken out by force? Not going to talk about military possibilities, plans, or anything of the kind.
It's of great concern to the American people and the people of Israel how long this will take and absent an agreement, what they should prepare for.
Most important for people in America, Israel, and Europe to understand: Iran declares not merely death to Israel but death to America. They want to kill Americans, have killed and wounded them by the thousands, burned embassies, killed marines, burned flags, tried to assassinate the president and chief officials several times. Committed to destroy America. Their plans over the years to build nuclear bombs and means to deliver them to the United States. They were very close to developing a nuclear bomb. If not for the two military operations, they'd have a bomb now or within a month or two.
Don't want a fanatic regime that hates America, murders its own citizens by the tens of thousands, to have nuclear weapons. That's what prompted President Trump and me to stop them.
Not going to give a timetable, but terrifically important mission: don't want Iran to have ballistic missiles to reach any city in the United States with nuclear warheads. No American would be safe. President Trump understood that from years of discussion.
In 2016 right before elections, met Hillary Clinton, then Donald Trump in Trump Tower. First thing he said: "We can't let Iran have nuclear weapons. I'm going to walk out of that terrible Iran deal."
Eight years later, another election. Met President Biden and Kamala Harris in Washington, then Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. First thing he said even before sitting down: "You know, BB, we cannot let Iran have nuclear weapons. I'm not going to let it happen." He's infused with this mission.
What changed from first term to second? In first term, believed could enforce sanctions regime, bring Iran to its knees, reduce oil exports completely. It worked for a while, slowed them down, but didn't stop them. They went back to enrichment, full efforts on nuclear weapon. What changed: they were very close to achieving it. That's what prompted the action.
Purpose of this war: not to let a regime committed to destruction of United States and Israel have nuclear weapons. They call Israel the little Satan, America the big Satan, doctrine to remove it from the world. Very different if Holland has nuclear weapons vs. Ayatollah regime that calls for your destruction.
Evaluation of Iranian regime today? Weakest point since 1979 when it hijacked the Iranian people. Hardliners just as hardline, but fissures, cracks because hit hard by joint military efforts. Destroyed money machine: petrochemical plants, steel plants producing raw material for rockets and ballistic missiles.
Causes debate within regime: some say keep trucking, others say economy will collapse and people will rise. Real fear: the people. Weaker than before, but not over. Jury still out.
Physical condition and operational influence of current Supreme Leader? Think he is alive, holed up in bunker or secret place, trying to exert authority. Doesn't have same authority as his father. Creates disruptions. Real question: what we do, keep them in check, keep up pressure. President Trump leading this effort in unexpected ways. Blockade when they blockaded the Gulf turned tables.
Genuine sense of who can negotiate a durable deal on Iranian side? Have opinions, shared with the president, not sharing here.
Second front: Lebanon, but really Hezbollah. Is that war nearing an end? Has Israel achieved strategic and tactical goals against Hezbollah?
Hezbollah had 150,000 ballistic missiles and rockets before the war, densest concentration on the planet, all aimed to destroy Israeli cities: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa. Each with half a ton or ton of explosives, like a bus coming down at amazing speed, terrible destruction. Destroyed the bulk, more than 90%. Still leaves thousands of rockets and some ballistic missiles. Still a big issue. They hold Lebanon hostage. Lebanon is basically a proxy of Iran. No quarrel with Lebanon, can make peace tomorrow. But Iranian-backed terrorist organization hijacked the country. Lebanese government incapacitated or unable.
Negotiating with Lebanese government doesn't solve Hezbollah problem yet. Had to go into Lebanon to prevent repeat of October 7th Gaza invasion: Hamas butchered men, beheaded, raped women then killed them, burned babies, worst massacre against Jewish people since Holocaust.
On Lebanon border, Hezbollah planned even more: 5,000 Radwan force terrorists ready to invade the Galilee. Pushed them back, got security belt preventing invasion or anti-tank missiles into kitchens and living rooms. Still have missiles, killer drones to deal with.
Lebanese want Hezbollah eradicated for freedom. Haven't shown capacity to fight them. Talking about working together militarily and politically to split work and get rid of Hezbollah. Not done yet.
Possible war with Iran ends but war with Hezbollah continues as separate? Iran wants ceasefire linkage to stay and hold Lebanon hostage. Won't accept, even if President Trump asks. He understands. Want to get rid of danger to communities and cities. They rocket all the time. Wouldn't accept terrorist organization across municipal line with missiles and drones claiming to destroy United States and Washington.
If Iran regime weakened or toppled, end of Hamas, probably end of Houthis. Whole scaffolding of terrorist proxy network collapses. Weakening regime weakens proxies. Still a long haul.
Possible to topple Iranian regime? Can't predict when. Possible, not guaranteed. Like bankruptcy: proceeds gradually then falls suddenly. Couldn't predict fall of Soviet Union, Ceausescu dictatorship in Romania, Syria.
Precedes weakening of regime, which has happened, but not guaranteed.
Israeli intelligence knows internal dynamics of Iran better than most. Telling: weakened, internal fights, worried. Uprisings in streets happened after first operation (Rising Lion, Midnight Hammer). Economic conditions bad, but also saw Iran not overwhelming bully. Israeli planes controlled skies over Tehran, unthinkable before. Then went to streets, mauled, massacred, wounded by tens of thousands. Memory lingers. Legitimacy gone, just brute force keeping them.
Could rise up again? Probably, but can't guarantee. Didn't tell Trump it's guaranteed. He knew approaching nuclear weapon, ballistic missile factories going underground under heavy mountain even B2s couldn't reach.
If Israeli intelligence pinpointed Supreme Leader and others, why not sufficient to ferment revolution? Necessary but not sufficient condition. Granular capability for surgical attacks.
Why can't operatives set in motion revolution to topple regime? Need many things. One out of 100 Iranians in secret police, ready to butcher people. Preeminent terrorist regime, terrorizes own people first.
Accused of indiscriminate attacks, but most discriminating military in history. Beepers: knocked out 2500 people, impaired with surgical precision, no collateral damage. Did same to key scientists, commanders, leaders. Component, could help revolt but doesn't guarantee.
New York Times April 7th reported fateful meeting February 11th in White House Situation Room: Netanyahu made hard sell, Iran ripe for regime change, joint US-Israeli mission could end Islamic Republic.
Incorrect. Didn't say guaranteed. Both understood little time to act or they'd get nuclear weapons, bury ballistic missiles underground. Part of action: removal of leadership and other measures. Uncertainty, risk involved. Danger in action, but greater danger in not taking action. Truthful presentation of possibilities and risks.
NYT: Outlined conditions pointing to certain victory, regime so weakened couldn't choke Strait of Hormuz, likelihood of Iran landing blows against US interests minimal.
Couldn't quantify exactly. Problem of Strait of Hormuz understood as fighting went on. Great risk for Iran, took while to understand. Blockade brilliant move by president, collapsing their economy. They could cause global dislocation but should have understood reaction. No perfect foresight.
Did say risks minimal? Don't remember that language. Overall conception: would elicit response they probably wouldn't shoulder, but they did and attacked accordingly.
Precipitating factor: intelligence on Supreme Leader location or eminent threat? Starts with threat. President: cannot let Iran get nuclear weapon, enormously dangerous to US. Would have happened already if not acted.
Quote misattributed to Winston Churchill: "History is written by the victors." He said, "I don't worry about it because I'll write it myself."
What will history of Israel write about this conflict with Iran? When know it's victorious?
Already achieved great things. Iran surrounding with noose of death: simultaneous invasions from Gaza (Hamas), Lebanon (Hezbollah). Rocketed, pelleted with ballistic missiles to destroy cities. Iran would have atomic weapons.
Smashed the terror axis. Not finished, still work to do. Israel emerged most powerful country in Middle East. Partnership with US second to none. National security memorandum described Israel as the model ally of US.
Changed from verge of extermination to knocking back annihilators, forceful country in Middle East. All power relative. Iran hasn't disappeared, Hamas hasn't, but shadows of former selves. Don't threaten annihilation now. Relative power of Israel changed.
Israel started with 600,000 people on a beach, attacked by seven Arab armies, survived by the skin of their teeth. As Israel got stronger, made peace with Arab states. Netanyahu and President Trump made the Abraham Accords peace with four Arab countries. Sees possibility of expansion and deepening of those agreements, alliances with Arab states never dreamed of. Result of change in relative power of Israel, facing down the neighborhood bully, the killer regime in Iran, bringing Arab countries closer to Israel. Good for peace.
Wall Street Journal story: Gulf States concerned if Iranian regime hangs on and peace deal deals with nuclear and ballistic missiles but not shorter-range conventional missiles, allied militias; angry Iran presents greater danger than before conflict. Concern rising among Gulf monarchies that does not want Israel to exercise strategic dominance over Middle East. Has this been jeopardized? Netanyahu hears different things from some Arab countries: strengthen alliance with Israel to deter Iran, work up defenses, do amazing things with Israel. Trajectory before conflict, more than thought now in ways not public yet. Degree of economic cooperation on energy, AI, quantum—areas where Israel strong despite being tiny country with 10 million people but gigantic talent. Sharing fruits of capabilities with them, happening now. Partnership with Israel deters Iran challenge, helps defend and protect future.
To Tony Dopal in October 2025: "The most important thing in destroying fanaticism is to destroy a certain hope." When Israel too strong, prepares ground for change of heart. Happened with Arab world after successive wars, saw Israel not destroyed. With Iran, fanatic regimes not easily persuadable, do horrible things to own people: murder citizens in Iran, Lebanon, execute on spot in Hamas Gaza. Need more staying power, resolve to roll back and defeat. Democracies have staying power? If Iran develops nuclear weapons to deliver to every American city, it's business: developed missile to reach Diego Garcia (2400 miles), US at 6000 miles. Without action, faced with such regime—hard to deter. Look at what they do now without nukes: attack everybody, jam international waterway, crisis in world economy, butcher own citizens. Won't spare you.
Free societies have to be strong and force change of heart within fanatical entities in region. Happened in some places including Gulf, but not guaranteed. History doesn't guarantee victory of free civilization—has to be purchased. Freedom and survival precious, guaranteed by force of will and if necessary force of arms.
In digital age, people scroll, sense of history dim, ephemeral. Free civilization precious but vulnerable; without will to defend, overtaken by barbarians. Will Durant in Lessons of History: nothing guaranteed, good doesn't triumph over evil unless willing to fight. Some Western Europe, parts of US: fighting bad people bad because fighting bad, war horrible. Netanyahu experienced war: lost fellow soldier died in arms at 18, brother died rescuing hostages, wounded in hostage release, seen horrors, parents grieve. War hell, do everything to prevent civilian casualties—Israel gone to unbelievable lengths. Sometimes no choice; if refuse to fight under any circumstances, fight under worst.
Younger generation on social media scrolling, hardening against Israel, see images portraying uncivilized, barbaric in Gaza, Lebanon. Losing social media space? Israel texts millions of messages, millions of phone calls, pamphlets, leaflets to get civilians out of harm's way. Hamas, Hezbollah keep people in harm's way, shoot civilians trying to leave. Proportion of non-combatants to combatants lowest in history of modern urban warfare. Measure of genocide: ratio lowest because of efforts. All washed away by social media.
Deterioration of US support for Israel correlates 100% with geometric rise of social media. Several countries manipulate with bot farms, fake addresses to break American sympathy to Israel, alliance. Clever: text like "red-blooded Texan always supported Israel but can't stand what doing, turning against." Trace to basement in Pakistan. Hurt badly. Fighting physical battle on seven fronts, exposed on eighth: social media war. Attacked with F-35s, fighting with Polish cavalry. Engage without censorship, ways applicable to democracies. Fight for hearts and minds of young Americans. Have problem, recognize, get act together.
Not responsible—attacking America too, ruptures within America, Americans and Americans. Foreign bot farms enormous, to universities, academic curricula. Not only explanation? Track it: falsifications, vilifications unfounded, people get last reel, not entire movie. Gaza war poured kerosene on existing fire—decline started before, now know from eighth front. Challenge to American-Israeli relationship and how America sees itself. Young Americans not proud—should be; without America, no generation of freedom.
Time for Israel to re-examine financial relationship with US, reset what US provides annually? Netanyahu to President Trump and own people: draw down to zero American financial support, financial component of military cooperation. Receive $3.8 billion a year. US spent trillions in Afghanistan; senator: if Israel instead of Afghanistan, cheaper. Israel booming economy after three years war, currency strongest in 50+ years, stock market leading world. High-tech juggernaut economy, one of two centers of cross-discipline breaking technologies. Time to wean from remaining military support, go from aid to partnership.
Suggest joint projects: intel, weapons, missile defense—Israel world leader. Share with US: Israel puts exact amount, US same, share fruits. Did this in 1996 first time prime minister, to US Congress joint session: change to free market high-tech juggernaut, wean from financial aid. Advisers shocked, but did free market revolution, Israel preeminent economic force. Now do on military side, no American financial aid even military.
Timeline: start now, over next decade, could go down very fast. General Keane: Israel intel worth five CIAs. Tangible: best ally, provides gems of intelligence, shares technology, appreciates every penny. Everyone in Israel pro-American, appreciate what America stands for, aid, President Trump's resolute stand, American military alongside Israeli pilots, soldiers. End over time on agreed schedule, move to partnership.
British ambassador: no special relationship UK-US anymore; if special, it's Israel-US. Netanyahu agrees.
China providing materially valuable military support to remnants of Iranian regime: true, certain support on particular components of missile manufacturing, can't say more. Disturbs? Didn't like, but China weigh interests: want Iran controlling waterways for energy supply? Prefer open waterways not subject to violent blackmail. Not zero-sum: AI brilliant future but dangers—advance benefits, contain dangers. Trump-Xi meeting: jointly control AI dangers.
Not zero-sum with Iran: fanatic regime with nukes committed to Islamist revolutions per constitution. China should think.
Russia support for Iran: 2016 to Leslie Stahl, conversation with Putin on Syria to avoid inadvertent clash, worked out. Russia's support now risk clash over Iran? Cooperation early Ukraine war, Iran supplied drones to Russia. Not much support now, not because of Israel—Russia thinks some Iran actions not to its favor. Mixed bag, support some things, not others. Minimal direct military support, intelligence left as said.
To Tony Dopal 2025 after border peace: give peace chance, demilitarization/disarmament of Hamas, give up arms, no weapons factories, no smuggling. Disarmament: no. Demilitarization: no. Weapons factories: reduced a lot. Smuggling: curtailed, enveloped Hamas, cut off Philadelphia corridor to Sinai. Two out of four largely achieved. Hamas promised in 20-point deal, violated.
Now somebody disarm, demilitarize, deradicalize Gaza—no fanatics. International community obligation? Find countries sending troops to tell killers give up arms (AK-47s to terrorize, extort). If comes to Israel, will do at chosen time/circumstances. Hamas threat from Gaza reduced, problem in Lebanon with rockets but Hamas not posing threat now. Disarmament/demilitarization not done, violated voluntary promise—will be done, hard way or easy. Prefer easy, experienced war tragedy in family, don't dispatch young men/women to battlefield readily.
On the second day of the war, Netanyahu declared they would change the Middle East, ending the condition where enemies gang up to wipe out the one and only Jewish state and 3,500 years of Jewish history. He told Israeli citizens it would not happen on his watch or theirs. Israelis, including brave soldiers and people, performed miracles due to their strength, sense of history, and understanding that the Almighty will not give the Jewish people another chance. Jews came back from endless pogroms, expulsions, massacres, and the Holocaust. They will not yield to the Ayatollahs and their murderous proxies. This tiny country emerged like a giant to fight for its life and for others.
In Iran, they name streets after Netanyahu (called BB Jun, beloved BB) and President Trump because they lead the fight. Revolutionary Guards tear down the signs, but Iranians know Israel fights for them too, preventing militant Islam from taking over countries—a process advancing in Europe.
Netanyahu is proud that Jewish and non-Jewish Israelis banded together, putting aside differences. Israel is boisterous with divisions, but at moments of truth, they stand united against barbarians who behead women, tear out hearts—like Islamists in Syria eating the heart of a twitching Druze man. This is pure evil, not relative. Without resolve to stand up, there is no future. Netanyahu rejects being called a warmonger; he's been in battles, seen friends die.
Israel's army is as discriminating and surgical as any in history—in Gaza, Lebanon, with beepers, and Iranian leaders. They've killed 2,000 terrorists since Operation Roaring Lion (Epic Fury), carefully targeting them. Enemies repeat "warmonger" via cell phones and bots, showing tragedy pictures. For Israel, every civilian death is a tragedy; for enemies, it's a strategy—they embed among civilians. Churchill was called a warmonger in the 1930s for urging to stand up to Hitler, who didn't even chant "death to Britain."
Netanyahu has strong street support but must get elected, unlike kings. Anti-Semitism has resurfaced in America, Europe, Australia, including a horrible attack on a Jewish couple working for the Israeli embassy near the Holocaust Museum in Washington.
Anti-Semitism is a resurgence after a 80-year reprieve post-Holocaust when it wasn't fashionable. For two millennia, Jews suffered expulsions and massacres preceded by vilification—slanders like spreading vermin or poisoning wells, despite Jewish hygiene codes. Now, vilification targets the Jewish state, but Israel fights back with valiant soldiers protecting against rocket and ballistic missile attacks, eliciting respect from Arab neighbors. Strength extinguishes the idea Israel can be eliminated.
Many Americans support Israel despite slanders. Concerted efforts by states vilify Israel primarily via social media (standard media less effective). Israel hasn't fought back yet. Israel elicits enormous respect in India (1.4 billion people), where Modi visited affectionately; Netanyahu's India visit with wife Sarah was a love fest. Respect also grows in parts of the Arab world, unreported by media like the New York Times ("all the news that's fit to print"—they omit what doesn't fit).
Must fight the information war, speak the justice of the cause, puncture lies, develop the country, seek peace through strength, work with America and President Trump to end the Iran threat, creating a positive wave. Free societies must be strong against attacks until a messianic era.
Nearly all October 7th security decision-makers have been fired or left: Defense Minister, head of military, intelligence, Israeli Secret Service (Shin Bet), Air Force; next month, head of Mossad. Netanyahu bears responsibility from the political echelon down. Proposes a bipartisan commission like post-9/11 to produce any witness or evidence for non-political truth.
Since October 7th, Netanyahu's responsibility was to free Israel from Iran's noose across seven fronts, rolling back terror. Greatest accomplishments:
- Degradation of Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missile program, military industries, knocking out military and political command.
- Operationally: Knocking out 20 top nuclear scientists (12 in first minute of Operation Roaring Lion/Rising Lion, 8 more recently), setting back their atomic bomb arsenal.
Israel (10 million people) is a "one bomb country" per Iranian leaders; preventing that is a tremendous accomplishment. Broke Iran's 47-year barrier of fear and impunity—bullying, murdering across Middle East. Israeli and American pilots over Tehran skies shattered Iran's invincibility. Regime's days are numbered; much accomplished quickly, not years or even months.
Incidents like Cardinal Pisabala's Easter prayer obstacles, crucifix defacement in Lebanon, nun assault in Jerusalem are anomalies contrary to Israel's ethos and respect for Christianity (birthplace of Christianity from Judeo-Christian roots). Christian community thrives and grows only in Israel; elsewhere in Arab countries, squished or massacred.
- Soldier who tore down crucifix is in jail.
- Attacker of nun is on trial.
- Policeman blocked Cardinal (third-ranking Catholic); Netanyahu intervened to open holy sites (Jewish, Christian, Muslim) during missile attacks near Temple Mount.
Met 50 young Christian soldiers (volunteers, heroes) fighting alongside Jews; they affirm Israel protects Christianity. Bethlehem (Jesus' birthplace): 80% Christian under Israeli control, now 20% after Oslo Accords handover to Palestinians (Christians driven out).
Israel protects, values, embraces Christians with common roots. Attempts falsify history and current events, pretending aberrations are policy.
Israel has made tactical/strategic mistakes causing civilian deaths—not deliberate. Armies miss; US in Fallujah/Afghanistan had greater proportional casualties. IDF goes to incredible efforts to be surgical, minimizing casualties as no other army in history—part of values, convictions, training.
Social media penetrates to vilify; repeat lies enough, people believe (e.g., paint Major Garrett as monster). Israel besieged on media/propaganda front, hasn't fought well. Must fight back with truth; they've left the battlefield to lying enemies.
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