Netanyahu warns of ‘complex days’ in Knesset speech on Iran

“No one knows what tomorrow will bring. We are keeping our eyes open.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a brief speech in the Knesset on Monday addressing tensions with Iran, saying Israel is facing “complex and challenging days” as regional alert levels rise and the United States builds up military forces in the Middle East.

Speaking during a “40 signatures” debate in the Knesset plenum, Netanyahu told lawmakers that uncertainty lies ahead, but Israel remains prepared.

“We have pushed back an existential threat from the Iranian tyrant,” he said. “No one knows what tomorrow will bring. We are keeping our eyes open.”

Netanyahu said he recently returned from his seventh meeting with the U.S. president since his election and described security cooperation between the two countries as unprecedented.

“Over the past two and a half years we have removed every threat to Israel’s citizens,” he said. “I say today that the security of millions of Israelis has never been stronger; the alliance with the United States has never been tighter. The relationship between me and President Trump has never been like this, nor has the cooperation between our security forces. The whole world knows the strength of Israel.”

He added that the public understands the gravity of the moment. “These are very challenging and complex days. The public understands that. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. We are vigilant and prepared for any scenario,” Netanyahu said.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said that if a military campaign against Iran occurs, political divisions would be set aside. “If that campaign comes, and it should, we will all put everything aside,” he said. “Iran must be struck with full force.”

He also called for targeting Iran’s oil fields and energy facilities, saying, “Strike the oil fields and energy plants. That is what will bring down the ayatollahs.”