Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he did not seek President Donald Trump’s approval before initiating a strike against Iran in 2025, as reported by the Times of Israel.
During a speech at the Muni Expo conference in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu mentioned that he did not consult with Trump or the U.S. government regarding the military action at the onset of what is termed the 12-day war. The conflict has entered a 60-day ceasefire, though a formal peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran has not been established.
“I’m not going to allow that to happen. That’s why we’re acting. We didn’t ask for permission. We just informed him of our plans,” Netanyahu said, adding that he was pleased Trump eventually supported the initiative.
Netanyahu’s remarks provide additional context to comments made by Marco Rubio earlier this year, suggesting that Israeli military action was anticipated and would likely provoke responses against U.S. forces. “We knew it had to happen,” Rubio stated on March 2. “If we didn’t act before Israel, casualties could rise.”
The following day, Rubio elaborated that the decision for a preemptive strike was made to avoid being attacked first.
A White House official emphasized President Trump’s close ties to Netanyahu and insisted that Israel remains a key ally of the U.S. Operations aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities were characterized as crucial for both nations’ security.
In his speech, Netanyahu remarked, “We’re going into Iran because we’re not just going to sit back and let our enemies openly declare intentions to destroy us.”
While the Pentagon and Israeli officials refrained from commenting, criticism of U.S.-led peace efforts emerged from various Israeli quarters.
Israeli defense analyst Beni Sabti controversially suggested that the U.S. might need to endure another attack, akin to Pearl Harbor or 9/11, to rejuvenate its commitment to Israel—though he later withdrew this statement.
Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, asserted that Trump’s agreements do not limit Israel’s independence.
In response to growing Israeli dissatisfaction with the peace negotiations, Vice President J.D. Vance defended Trump as a unique supporter of Israel in a world where many have shifted allegiances.
Netanyahu also weighed in on military actions in Lebanon, urging a stronger approach against Hezbollah. He lamented the recent resumption of Israeli military actions against Hezbollah just hours after a ceasefire was implemented.
The Iranian government contended that the latest strikes violated a ceasefire memorandum between the U.S. and Iran, meant to halt hostilities.
In light of these developments, Netanyahu underscored that regardless of any future deals, Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons.
Analysts have remarked that Israel’s military ambitions could jeopardize broader peace efforts and potentially have severe global economic repercussions.
