Netanyahu says U.S.-Israel alliance strongest in history amid Iran tensions
An accompanying image shows former President Donald Trump hosting Netanyahu at the White House last month, illustrating the long-standing, high-level U.S.-Israel engagement cited in the briefing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held his first press conference since the outbreak of a war involving Iran, saying the United States–Israel alliance is stronger than at any time in history. He described the relationship as an “unprecedented” bond and noted that he speaks with President Trump “almost every day,” adding that the pair exchange ideas and make decisions together. Netanyahu claimed the alliance is “100 times stronger” than any relationship between a U.S. president and an Israeli prime minister, and he said military cooperation operates through dialogue, consultation, and joint work rather than top-down orders.
The premier also spoke of building “new alliances with several countries,” a reference that appears to extend the framework created by the Abraham Accords—formal normalization between Israel and several Arab states. The Abraham Accords were brokered with U.S. mediation around 2020, reshaping regional dynamics by expanding Israel’s formal ties beyond its traditional partners.
On Iran, Netanyahu criticized the country’s new supreme leader, calling him a “puppet” who does not show his face publicly. He directed his remarks at the Iranian leadership, arguing that the regime has oppressed its people for nearly five decades and suggesting that conditions are forming to move toward a different path.
Netanyahu also addressed Iran’s regional allies, specifically Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon. He warned that if Hezbollah does not disarm, Israel will act, though he did not specify whether Israel would deploy ground troops. His comments indicated a willingness to consider military options without ruling out a broader ground operation.
For U.S. readers, the remarks underscore the depth of American-Israeli coordination at a moment of heightened tension with Iran and its regional proxies. A deeper, more seamless alliance signals potential risks and implications for regional stability, defense and technology supply chains, and energy markets that can affect American security interests and economic outlooks.
Context for non-Korean readers: the Abraham Accords marked a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy by normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab countries, with the United States playing a pivotal mediation role. Netanyahu’s comments reflect ongoing efforts to expand that realignment amid broader U.S. concerns about Iran’s regional influence and the threat posed by allied groups like Hezbollah.