Netanyahu: Israel’s battles ‘never over,’ ‘more work’ to be done against Iran-led axis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hails Israel’s military achievements in recent years but says that Israel’s battles are “never over” and that there is still “work to do” against the “Iranian axis,” during an interview with the pro-Netanyahu Channel 14.

Asked by the interviewer if Israel’s wars against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah in recent years can be considered over or won, Netanyahu hails “tremendous successes” on those fronts, but then adds when pressed again: “It’s never over. If you want to live in the Middle East – and in the world — you must be very strong.”

“Israel is stronger than ever, and we have pushed back these threats. We have greatly weakened them. We still have work to do… We need to deal with the remnants of the Iranian axis and seize opportunities for peace agreements,” he says, amid ongoing fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah and a recently signed framework with Lebanon aimed at gradual Israeli withdrawal and eventual normalization of ties.

Asked to specify which countries he expects to reach peace agreements with, and if they include Saudi Arabia, Netanyahu declines to name them but insists several countries are in contention, including Lebanon: “I’m not naming names because I want to deliver results. But everyone will see them….there are understandings with Lebanon that nobody foresaw. There are contacts with other countries as well. I can’t elaborate.”

“When you’re strong, people form alliances with you, and they make peace with you as well,” he says.