'Iran will never have nuclear weapons, not today and not tomorrow': Netanyahu amid US-Iran deal debate

In Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday evening sought to project control over one of Israel’s most sensitive security questions, saying Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons and that his government had helped remove an immediate threat.

The remarks came as criticism mounted inside Israel over the emerging deal between the United States and Iran, with Netanyahu defending his approach in a brief press conference in Hebrew.

He said, “Iran will not have nuclear weapons, with or without an agreement,” and added, “Iran will never have nuclear weapons, not today and not tomorrow.”

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A trump card held close to the chest

Netanyahu framed the recent military and diplomatic developments as a strategic success for Israel. He said Israel and its American allies had removed the “immediate” Iranian nuclear threat and saved the country from annihilation.

“We removed, for years to come, this danger hanging over us of the elimination of Israel’s population. That is what we did. We saved the State of Israel from annihilation,” he said.

The Israeli leader also insisted that his wider mission remained unchanged, saying preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons was his “life’s mission.”

A chorus of dissent enters the stage

The remarks followed criticism from across Israel’s political spectrum.

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett attacked Netanyahu’s leadership and described the current term as ending in “a historic failure against Iran.”

Bennett said he would have handled the matter differently and argued that he would have used his standing with what he called “the President most sympathetic to Israel that we have ever had” in Israel’s national interest.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, meanwhile, said the agreement was “not binding” on Israel, underlining the domestic unease surrounding any US-Iran understanding.

Allies in step, though not always in stride

Netanyahu also addressed concerns over his relationship with US President Donald Trump.

He said the two leaders “don’t always see eye-to-eye,” but that Israel’s security interests had to be defended carefully. He further said the fight was “not over” and that Israel would continue to stand guard and defend itself as needed.

In the same remarks, he ruled out withdrawing from southern Lebanon and said Israel would remain in what he called security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria for as long as necessary to protect the country.

“We will remain in the security zones for as long as necessary to protect our country,” he said.

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FAQs

Q1: What did Benjamin Netanyahu say about Iran's nuclear programme?

Ans: Netanyahu said Iran would never obtain nuclear weapons, "not today and not tomorrow," regardless of whether a deal is reached.

Q2: Why is Netanyahu facing criticism over the US-Iran deal?

Ans: Critics argue the emerging agreement does not do enough to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions and have questioned Netanyahu's handling of the issue.