Netanyahu, Trump discuss unity against Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed that he held a “very friendly” conversation with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which the two discussed the need for a strong, united effort to secure a victory against Iran. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration between Israel and the U.S. to counter Iran’s influence in the region, with both leaders expressing the urgency of a decisive outcome.
In addition to the Iran issue, Netanyahu shared that the call also covered efforts to secure the release of approximately 100 hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza. These hostages were taken during the violent escalations between Hamas and Israel, and their release has become a critical focus of ongoing diplomatic negotiations. The conversation reflects the growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for international cooperation to resolve such issues. Netanyahu’s comments signal continued efforts to ensure the safe return of the hostages, alongside ongoing military and diplomatic pressure on Hamas. The international community continues to closely monitor these developments, with discussions surrounding the hostages remaining at the forefront of geopolitical dialogue.
Netanyahu Discusses Israel’s Determination Against Iran in Call with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump about Israel’s unwavering stance against Iran and its regional proxies, emphasizing the Jewish state’s commitment to continuing its actions to neutralize threats. In a video statement released after the conversation, Netanyahu described the call as “very friendly, very warm, and very important,” reflecting the growing alignment between Israel and the incoming U.S. administration on key geopolitical issues.
The focus of their discussion was on Israel’s determination to maintain its security and sovereignty in the face of growing regional threats, particularly from Iran and its various armed proxies in the Middle East. Netanyahu stressed that Israel will continue its campaign against Iran, which he views as the central threat to both Israel and regional stability. He emphasized that Israel’s resolve would not waver, and that the Jewish state would act against any force attempting to harm its security.
Israel’s Stance on Hezbollah and Regional Security
A central point of Netanyahu’s conversation with Trump revolved around Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group backed by Iran. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to preventing Hezbollah from rearming, a longstanding goal for Israel’s defense forces. Hezbollah, which operates out of Lebanon, has become a significant player in the region, posing a direct threat to Israeli security, especially in the wake of its involvement in the Syrian Civil War.
“We are committed to preventing Hezbollah from rearming,” Netanyahu stated, reflecting Israel’s long-standing efforts to curb the group’s military capabilities. The Israeli government has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of attempting to increase its arsenal of advanced weaponry, including missiles capable of striking deep into Israeli territory. Israel has taken preemptive military actions in the past to target Hezbollah’s supply lines and weapon stockpiles, and Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would continue to monitor and disrupt such activities.
Syria and Changing Middle Eastern Dynamics
Another key topic in Netanyahu’s conversation with Trump was Israel’s policy toward Syria. Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would adjust its actions in Syria based on the changing realities on the ground, emphasizing that the situation in Syria was no longer what it once was. He acknowledged that the Middle East was undergoing significant shifts, and Israel’s actions would adapt accordingly.
“Syria is not the same Syria,” Netanyahu said, underscoring the rapid transformation in the country as a result of the ongoing civil war, which has led to the rise of new alliances and power dynamics. He argued that Israel was playing a key role in shaping the region’s future, pointing to Israel’s military operations in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen, all of which have contributed to reducing Iran’s influence in the region.
Lebanon, too, Netanyahu argued, is a different country than it once was. He highlighted the growing presence of Hezbollah within Lebanon and the threat this poses not just to Israel, but to Lebanese sovereignty itself. Similarly, he pointed to Gaza, which remains under Hamas control, as an area where Israeli military operations have undermined Iranian-backed forces, weakening the reach of Tehran in the region.
The Iranian influence in these areas, according to Netanyahu, has been significantly diminished over the past year, thanks to Israeli military actions targeting Iranian infrastructure, weapons shipments, and proxy forces across the Middle East. The Israeli government has long maintained that its operations against Iranian and Iranian-aligned forces are crucial to safeguarding Israeli security, especially in light of Iran’s stated goal of eradicating Israel. Netanyahu argued that these efforts were beginning to bear fruit, reducing Iran’s ability to project power in the region.
Shifting Middle East Alliances
Netanyahu’s remarks also alluded to the broader shifts in Middle Eastern alliances and power structures. The rise of Iranian influence over the past decade has prompted Israel to forge closer ties with several regional Arab nations, many of whom share similar concerns about Tehran’s ambitions. These growing alliances were discussed during the call, with Netanyahu highlighting the fact that Israel was no longer isolated in the region, as it had been in the past.
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the Abraham Accords, a series of normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain. These deals have helped to reshape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with many Arab nations now viewing Iran as the primary regional threat, rather than Israel. Netanyahu, who played a key role in promoting these agreements, framed them as a clear indication of how the region was changing in Israel’s favor.
During his conversation with Trump, Netanyahu pointed to these shifting alliances as part of Israel’s broader strategy of confronting Iran’s influence. With growing support from Arab nations, Israel is better positioned to counter Iranian expansion in the region. The increasing normalization of relations between Israel and Arab countries represents a strategic pivot that has implications for the future of the Middle East and the broader international community’s approach to Iran.
Ongoing Negotiations and No Breakthrough Yet
Israeli state broadcaster Kan TV reported that there had been progress in diplomatic negotiations surrounding the Iranian threat, but as of Sunday, no significant breakthrough had been achieved. While Netanyahu and Trump’s conversation laid the groundwork for continued cooperation between Israel and the U.S., both leaders acknowledge that the challenges of confronting Iran and its regional proxies remain complex and multifaceted.
The negotiations are expected to continue, with the U.S. administration set to play a crucial role in shaping the international response to Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East. Netanyahu’s call with Trump underscores the importance of continued collaboration between Israel and the U.S. on this critical issue, with both countries aligned in their goal of ensuring that Iran does not achieve a dominant position in the region.
In the meantime, Israel’s military operations are expected to remain a cornerstone of its strategy to contain Iranian influence, while diplomatic efforts continue to secure a broader regional consensus. The situation in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and beyond will continue to evolve, and Israel’s role in shaping the Middle East will remain a focal point of international attention.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s conversation with President-elect Trump highlights the ongoing tension between Israel and Iran, with both leaders committed to confronting Iran’s influence in the Middle East. As the region undergoes significant changes, Israel’s proactive stance in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Yemen is central to its strategy of safeguarding its security and reducing Iranian power. The shifting dynamics in the Middle East, marked by the growing alliance between Israel and Arab nations, offer a new chapter in the region’s geopolitical landscape, with Israel poised