Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed new details about his private conversation with US President Donald Trump before Israel launched its military operation against Iran. Netanyahu says that he informed Trump about the planned strike and did not seek approval.
Speaking at a conference in Israel, Netanyahu defended his government’s actions in Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon, arguing that Israel must make security decisions based on its own interests even when allies disagree.Â
His remarks have reignited discussions about the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem and highlighted how Israel navigates military decisions involving some of the region’s most sensitive conflicts.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update: Netanyahu Reveals What He Told Trump Before Iran Strike
Netanyahu said he personally informed President Trump before Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran. However, he stressed that the conversation was not about obtaining permission but about notifying a key ally of Israel’s plans.
According to Netanyahu, Israel could not afford to delay action against a country whose leaders have repeatedly called for Israel’s destruction. He said the decision to proceed was based entirely on Israel’s national security assessment.
The Israeli leader also welcomed what he described as later US involvement in efforts connected to the operation.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â ‘I Didn’t Ask For Permission’ – Netanyahu on Iran Strike
During his speech, Netanyahu made one of his strongest statements yet regarding Israel’s military independence.
“When I came to President Trump before Operation Rising Lion, I told him we were going into Iran because I would not wait for those who openly declare they want to destroy us. I didn’t ask for permission; I simply informed him of our plan,” Netanyahu said.
The comments underline Israel’s position that while it values support from allies, critical security decisions ultimately remain in the hands of Israeli leaders.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â Informed Trump, Did Not Seek ApprovalÂ
Netanyahu emphasised that communication with Washington remains important but insisted that Israel cannot allow external pressure to determine how it responds to security threats.
The prime minister suggested that strong alliances do not require complete agreement on every military decision. Instead, he argued that allies should understand each other’s strategic priorities even when differences emerge.
His remarks offered a rare public glimpse into discussions between Israeli and American leaders ahead of a major military operation.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â Trump-Netanyahu Alliance Under Strain?
Netanyahu’s comments have fueled speculation about whether differences exist between him and Trump regarding Iran and broader Middle East policy.
While the Israeli leader described his communication with Trump positively, analysts have noted occasional differences in tone between Washington and Jerusalem over regional security issues.
Trump has often emphasised diplomatic solutions alongside military deterrence, while Netanyahu has consistently advocated a more aggressive approach toward Iran’s nuclear and military ambitions.
Despite such differences, both leaders continue to publicly emphasise the strength of US-Israel relations.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â Netanyahu-Biden Dispute Over Rafah Operation
Netanyahu also revisited disagreements with former US President Joe Biden over Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, particularly the operation in Rafah.
“I told President Biden, first of all, when they told me ‘, Do not enter Rafah.’ Do you know why they said ‘Do not enter Rafah’? Because the President of the United States said he would halt the weapons supply. I said I respect him very much, and he even came here at the beginning of the war, but we have no choice, we will enter – and if we must, we will fight with our fingernails. Because there are moments when you must know how to tell even the President of the United States what we stand for.”
Netanyahu cited the episode as an example of Israel moving forward with military plans despite opposition from one of its closest allies.
Israel-Lebanon War Update
Discussing the situation in Lebanon, Netanyahu claimed that Israeli operations have significantly weakened Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
While acknowledging that Hezbollah remains active in Lebanon, he argued that Israel has degraded the group’s capabilities through sustained military pressure. The comments come amid continuing diplomatic discussions involving the Israel-Lebanon border and regional security arrangements.
Israeli officials maintain that preventing future cross-border attacks remains a central objective of their strategy.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â Israel’s Military Campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran
Netanyahu used the speech to defend Israel’s broader military approach across multiple fronts.
He argued that operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran were necessary to protect Israeli citizens and reduce long-term security threats. According to the prime minister, critics who once opposed military action are now questioning whether Israel went far enough.
“Those who told us not to enter Gaza, Rafah, Lebanon, Syria or Iran are now saying we achieved only 80 or 90 per cent of our objectives,” Netanyahu said.
He maintained that Israel has made significant progress despite ongoing challenges.
US-Israel-Iran War Latest Update:Â What’s Next For Trump-Netanyahu Alliance?
Netanyahu’s remarks are likely to intensify debate over the future of US-Israel coordination on Iran and regional security issues.
While both countries remain close allies, the Israeli leader’s comments reinforced his long-standing position that Israel must retain the ability to act independently when it believes national security is at stake.
As tensions involving Iran, Hezbollah and Gaza continue to shape Middle East politics, future interactions between Trump and Netanyahu will likely play a key role in determining how Washington and Jerusalem coordinate their responses to emerging threats.
