Overview
- On Wednesday Netanyahu told a gathering of West Bank settlers that he doubts a diplomatic deal with Iran is possible and described Iran's leaders as “savages,” saying he had been told Iran tried to assassinate one of his sons.
- He said he discussed three options with President Trump during a July meeting — diplomacy, military action, or a heavier economic blockade — and framed the choice as one for Washington to make.
- Netanyahu publicly praised the Trump administration’s new sanctions package that targets more than sixty Iran-linked entities, individuals and vessels and urged tougher pressure on countries and actors that assist Tehran.
- He warned that if Iran attacks Israel the response will be far stronger than past strikes, a statement that raises the risk of military escalation in the region.
- The comments build on Netanyahu’s long opposition to the 2015 nuclear deal, feed his campaign messaging ahead of the October 27 election, and could deepen diplomatic strains with Turkey and third countries that trade with Iran.