Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his claim that he did not seek permission from U.S. President Donald Trump for Israel's military operation against Iran in June of last year.
Speaking at an event for local government officials in Tel Aviv on the 24th (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "At the time, we told President Trump before the operation began that we would be entering Iran. We could not just sit and wait for enemies who publicly declared they would destroy us and the United States as well."
Netanyahu added, "I did not ask for permission. I simply informed him of our plans," and continued, "I was pleased that he (President Trump) ultimately joined in at the final stage of a very important operation."
Prime Minister Netanyahu made similar claims during the early stages of the operation last year.
The move to bring up Israel's independent strike on Iran again is interpreted as an effort to emphasize Israel's strategic independence, amid growing concerns that tensions are forming between the U.S. and Israel over a recent ceasefire agreement between Washington and Tehran, and that the U.S. could limit Israel's freedom of military action.
Some also interpret this as a response to domestic criticism and backlash that Israel's interests were barely reflected in the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Netanyahu actively defended Israel's military achievements against Iran, Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah in Lebanon following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre.
Citing the Talmudic proverb, "If someone comes to kill you, rise early and kill him first," Netanyahu emphasized, "Israel's security doctrine has shifted toward a proactive approach of taking the initiative and attacking on the battlefield. The most important achievement we have made is breaking down the barrier of fear."
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)