Netanyahu: Israel and U.S. United on Iran as Protests Rock Islamic Republic

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel and the United States are in full agreement on how to confront Iran, describing his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump as a strategic partnership that will drive continued Israeli security successes in 2026.

Speaking during the Knesset’s “40 signatures” debate, Netanyahu emphasized close coordination between Jerusalem and Washington on regional security issues, including efforts to recover the remains of Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, the last Israeli hostage believed to be held in Gaza.

Turning to Iran, Netanyahu issued an unequivocal warning, saying Israel will not allow Tehran to rebuild its ballistic missile industry or restart its nuclear program. He said both governments share a “zero enrichment” position, requiring Iran to export all enriched uranium and accept strict, permanent oversight of its nuclear facilities.

“We will not allow Iran to rebuild its ballistic missile industry, and we will certainly not let it restart its nuclear program,” Netanyahu told lawmakers. “Zero enrichment means removing enriched material from Iran and ensuring genuine, ongoing supervision.”

The prime minister’s remarks come amid mounting unrest inside Iran, where protests driven by economic collapse have spread to dozens of cities and towns. Demonstrations began last week with shopkeepers striking over soaring prices and currency devaluation and have since expanded in size and scope. Iranian media and independent reports say at least 19 people have been killed as security forces move to suppress the unrest.

Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian people directly, expressing solidarity with what he described as their struggle for freedom and justice. “The government of Israel, the State of Israel, and my own policies identify with the struggle of the Iranian people,” he said. “It is quite possible that we are witnessing a moment in which the Iranian people are taking their fate into their own hands.”

At the start of Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated that Iran was a central topic during his recent summit with Trump in Florida. He said the discussions focused on removing roughly 400 kilograms of enriched uranium from Iran and imposing strict international oversight, noting that the talks took place as “dramatic events” were beginning to unfold inside the Islamic Republic.

Israeli officials have voiced concern that Iran is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities following the brief but intense conflict between the two countries in June, during which Israeli and U.S. strikes reportedly inflicted significant damage on Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure. With renewed international sanctions further battering Iran’s economy, Israeli leaders fear Tehran could miscalculate, triggering another regional escalation.

Netanyahu’s statements underscore Israel’s dual message of deterrence toward Iran’s regime and support for the Iranian population, even as regional tensions remain high over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and internal instability.

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