Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations in Jerusalem on February 15, 2026. (Photo by Chaim Goldberg/Flash90)
Netanyahu said: “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon, dismantling the missile and nuclear program piece by piece, and continuing to deal severe blows to Hezbollah.”
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will safeguard its interests even as US President Donald Trump pursues talks with Iran aimed at ending the war, following a call between the two leaders on Monday.
“Earlier today, I spoke with our friend, President Trump. He believes there is an opportunity to leverage the tremendous achievements of the IDF and the US military in order to achieve the objectives of the war through an agreement that will preserve our vital interests,” Netanyahu said.
He added, “At the same time, we continue to strike both in Iran and in Lebanon, dismantling the missile and nuclear program piece by piece, and continuing to deal severe blows to Hezbollah.”
Netanyahu said recent operations included targeting individuals tied to Iran’s nuclear program. “Just a few days ago, we eliminated two more nuclear scientists, and more actions are forthcoming. We will safeguard our vital interests under all circumstances,” he said.
Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday that the United States has held “very good and productive conversations” with Iran in recent days aimed at reaching a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East.
He continued, “I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations,” adding that the discussions focused on ending the conflict. He said the talks were “in depth, detailed, and constructive” and would continue throughout the week.
Citing what he described as the “tenor and tone” of the exchanges, Trump said he had ordered a temporary halt to planned military action. “I have instructed the Department of War to postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five day period,” he wrote, noting the pause would depend on the outcome of ongoing discussions.
The announcement signaled a possible diplomatic track, with the delay in strikes tied to whether the talks continue to progress.
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