Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: The 2026 60 Minutes Interview
In a Nutshell
In a 2026 60 Minutes interview, Netanyahu states the war with Iran is not over until its nuclear materials, enrichment sites, proxies like Hezbollah, and missiles are fully dismantled, envisioning U.S.-backed physical removal of highly enriched uranium and rejecting linked ceasefires that leave Hezbollah intact. He predicts regime change in Iran could collapse its terror network, notes expanding secret alliances with Arab states against Iran, and calls for phasing out all $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid over the next decade amid declining American support. Blaming social media as an "eighth front" for reputational damage, he defends Israel's Gaza operations against ICC accusations, insists on deradicalizing the region without letting Hamas rearm, and vows to reshape the Middle East post-October 7th.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Ceasefire between US and Iran tested by suspected Iranian drone strikes in Persian Gulf. Hostilities spread from Gulf to Lebanon, complicating White House efforts to close deal reopening Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing energy prices. War in 11th week. CBS News colleague Major Garrett interviewed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, first US broadcast interview since war began.
Is the war with Iran over? And if it isn't, who will decide when it is?
Netanyahu: Accomplished great deal, but not over due to remaining nuclear material, enriched uranium to remove from Iran, enrichment sites to dismantle, proxies Iran supports, ballistic missiles they want to produce. Degraded much of it, but work remains.
How do you envision the highly enriched uranium will be removed from Iran?
Netanyahu: Go in and take it out. President Trump said he wants to go in there, thinks it can be done physically. If agreement, best way.
With what? Special forces from Israel, special forces of United States?
Netanyahu: Not talking about military means.
What if there isn't an agreement? Can it be taken out by force?
Netanyahu: Dodging questions, not talking about military possibilities or plans.
How long to achieve that aim?
Netanyahu: No timetable, but terrifically important mission.
Hours before interview, Israel targeted Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon, second front in war with Iran, much more Israel's than America's.
Sign in to read the full notes
Get access to AI-generated notes, topic timestamps, and more.