Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stark warning to Iran, stating that any hostile action against Israel will be met with a forceful retaliation. He made these remarks during a significant press conference in Jerusalem, where he was joined by the leaders of Greece and Cyprus.
Firm Warnings to Regional Adversaries
Speaking at the tenth trilateral summit with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is closely monitoring Iran's activities. He stated that Israel is aware of recent "exercises" conducted by Iran and is making all necessary preparations. The discussion on Tehran's nuclear program, he added, will be taken up with US President Donald Trump.
"I want to convey this clearly to Iran: Any action against Israel will be met with a very severe response," the Israeli leader declared.
A Message to 'Empire Builders'
In comments widely interpreted as directed at Turkey, Netanyahu spoke against regional powers with expansionist ambitions. He reflected on the shared history of the three nations, noting, "It is true that all of our countries were conquered in the past by a succession of empires."
He emphasized their hard-won modern independence and issued a blunt warning: "To those who fantasize they can reestablish their empires and their dominion over our lands, I say: Forget it. It's not going to happen. Don't even think about it." He asserted that the trilateral cooperation enhances their collective capability for self-defense.
This summit follows reports that Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are considering forming a rapid-response military force in the eastern Mediterranean, a move largely seen as a response to growing concerns over Turkey's assertive military posture.
Defending the October 7 Inquiry Plan
Separately, in a video statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended his government's controversial proposal for a commission of inquiry into the failures surrounding the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. He argued that an event of such magnitude requires a "special commission."
Netanyahu maintained that the proposed commission would be balanced, with the government and opposition each selecting half of its members. "This will be an equal commission of inquiry," he said, adding that neither side "will have any advantage in appointing the members."
However, critics point out that the proposed legislation includes a clause stating that if the opposition refuses to pick its members, the Knesset speaker will appoint them. This would effectively give the ruling coalition full control over the inquiry, contrary to widespread demands for an independent, state-appointed investigation.
Netanyahu countered that the government could have formed a purely governmental review committee but chose a more inclusive model to gain broader public trust.
