Netanyahu: ‘Trump and I will not allow Iran to rebuild ballistic missile arsenal’

US and Israel committed to doing whatever it takes to prevent Iran from rebuilding its ballistic missile program, says Netanyahu, emphasizing that his government and the Trump administration are on the same page.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that his government and the Trump administration are in agreement that Iran cannot be allowed to reconstitute its ballistic missile or nuclear programs, while telling lawmakers in the Knesset that any attack by Iran will lead to “severe” consequences for Tehran.

Speaking in the Knesset plenum Monday afternoon in response to a 40-signature petition by Opposition MKs, Netanyahu responded to criticism leveled by Opposition Leader MK Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid).

During his statement, Netanyahu discussed his recent meeting with President Donald Trump in Florida, emphasizing that the two leaders are in agreement regarding the need to confront Iran over its efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile production capabilities.

“President Trump and I have expressed a firm position — we will not allow Iran to rehabilitate its ballistic missile industry or to renew its nuclear program,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister expressed support for anti-regime protesters in Iran, while warning the regime not to attack Israel out of desperation as pressure on the government increases.

“We stand in solidarity with the struggle of the Iranian people and their aspiration for freedom and justice. If we are attacked — the consequences for Iran will be very severe.”

Lapid accused the Netanyahu government of failing to address the high cost of living in Israel, blaming price increases for the growing number of Israeli citizens emigrating.

The opposition leader also denounced the Likud-backed bill now under consideration in the Knesset that would restore army draft deferments for full-time yeshiva students.

“I ask Israel’s citizens—do you live better or worse than three years ago? What is the state of your bank account? Is your life more costly or less? What about your children’s education, is it better or worse?” Lapid said.

“Your government is advancing a disgraceful and shameful draft-dodging bill, which will also not pass.”

“The cost of living is causing the collapse of an entire generation of Israelis. They have understood that no one is really going to deal with this. Your government continues to transfer 60 billion shekels every year to draft-dodgers.”

Netanyahu responded, noting that ultra-Orthodox enlistment is up significantly this draft cycle, pointing to Defense Ministry plans to induct 23,000 ultra-Orthodox men over the next three and a half years.

“This is a real revolution,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister also defended his government’s handling of the economy, noting that the shekel has risen significantly lately, reaching an all-time high against the US Dollar.

“After two years of war — the shekel has strengthened significantly, the stock exchange has surged by tens of percent over the past year, unemployment is at a low, investment in high-tech has returned with force, housing prices have fallen for the first time in years. We signed a huge gas deal with Egypt that will bring 60 billion shekels into the state coffers.”