Netanyahu wants Israel "to draw down to zero the American financial support"
Key Points:
- Suspected Iranian drone strikes in the Persian Gulf have challenged the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, as the conflict spreads to Lebanon, complicating efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and stabilize energy prices.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the war with Iran is not over, citing the need to remove enriched uranium and dismantle nuclear sites, while also addressing Iran-backed proxies such as Hezbollah and Hamas.
- Netanyahu expressed willingness to reduce U.S. military aid to Israel over the next decade, advocating for Israel to become financially independent in its defense cooperation.
- The prime minister highlighted the negative impact of social media on Israel's reputation, attributing much of the decline in U.S. support to manipulated information campaigns, while acknowledging that civilian casualties in war contribute to negative perceptions.
- Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing Gaza, stating that Israel would act if no other country steps forward, and underscored his resolve to prevent Israel's annihilation despite perceptions of him as conflict-driven.