Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will not allow Iran to rebuild its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, while accusing opposition parties of seeking to form a government with the Muslim Brotherhood during a heated Knesset debate.
Speaking at a 40-signature parliamentary session on Monday, Netanyahu defended his government’s security, economic, and legislative record, including Israel’s recent military actions against Iran and a controversial bill on ultra-Orthodox military conscription, according to reporting from The Jerusalem Post.
Why It Matters
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid heightened regional tensions following Israeli military operations targeting Iran’s strategic capabilities and ongoing domestic divisions over military service, governance, and accountability for the October 7 massacre.
The comments also underscore Israel’s firm stance on Iran’s nuclear program at a time when Tehran faces internal unrest and international scrutiny, while political polarization within Israel continues to deepen after two years of war.
What to Know
Addressing lawmakers in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Israel and the United States share a “resolute position” on preventing Iran from restoring its nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure, which he said was severely damaged during Israel’s military campaign.
“Our position is zero enrichment capability, the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran, and continuous oversight of nuclear facilities,” Netanyahu told the Knesset.
He added that Israel may be approaching a turning point in Iran, citing ongoing protests against the Iranian regime and suggesting the country’s population could be nearing a decisive moment.
Netanyahu also used the debate to criticize opposition parties, accusing them of seeking alliances with the Muslim Brotherhood and referencing the 2021–2022 Bennett-led coalition, which included the Arab party Ra’am.
What People Are Saying
During the debate, Netanyahu accused opposition lawmakers of concealing plans to rely on the Muslim Brotherhood, telling them, “Do not speak in the name of the Zionist majority.”
Opposition leaders strongly pushed back. Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid criticized the government’s handling of the ultra-Orthodox draft issue, saying bereaved families were watching efforts to exempt haredi men from military service. Former Defense Minister Benny Gantz condemned comparisons made by ultra-Orthodox leaders between draft enforcement and Holocaust-era persecution.
Netanyahu also defended a politically appointed commission of inquiry into the October 7 massacre, reiterating his opposition to an independent state commission—despite polls indicating broad public support for a judicial-led investigation.
