Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu delivered a forceful response this evening to opposition criticism during a 40-signature debate in the Knesset, rejecting claims about the government’s conduct and laying out what he described as the strategic consequences of its decisions.

Turning to the opposition benches, Netanyahu addressed Yesh Atid chairman Yair Lapid directly, saying, “Keep shouting.” He followed with a pointed jab at the party’s political standing: “You should carefully measure the level of shouting in your faction because there are only four realistic seats.”

Netanyahu then launched a broader attack on the opposition’s approach, accusing it of reflexive resistance to critical government actions. “You are an extremist opposition that automatically opposes the fateful decisions we make, and thanks to which we guarantee the eternity of Israel. It’s lucky we didn’t listen to you, because otherwise there would have been hostages alive in Gaza, Sinwar would have been alive, Nasrallah would have been alive, and Iran would have rushed towards nuclear weapons. Reality clearly proves that we are not the extremists. We are very balanced, determined, and powerful.”

Addressing Iran, Netanyahu warned that Israel and the United States remain aligned on preventing Tehran from rebuilding its military capabilities. “Trump and I will not allow Iran to restore its ballistic missile industry and nuclear program,” he said. He added that Israel stands with the Iranian public while underscoring the gravity of the moment: “We identify with the struggle of the Iranian people. We may be standing at a crucial moment. If we are attacked, the consequences for Iran will be very serious.”

Referencing his meeting with President Trump in Florida last week, Netanyahu said the two leaders reaffirmed shared objectives regarding Gaza. “The President emphasized our shared commitment to disarm Hamas and demilitarize Gaza,” he told the Knesset.

In closing remarks aimed again at his critics, Netanyahu accused the opposition of undermining national strength while claiming to promote unity. “You, with your defeatism and bowing your heads, in opposing every decision the government has made for Israel, are the extremists who are harming our national cohesion and resilience. This is expressed in many areas. You talk about unity and at the same time, you are dividing.”

Jooish News

Jooish News