As follow-up talks between the United States and Iran over ending the Lebanon war struggle to make headway, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his position to continue efforts to block Iran's nuclear development and maintain military pressure on Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned armed faction.
On the 50th anniversary of the death of his older brother Yoni Netanyahu during the Entebbe hostage rescue operation on the 21st (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "No matter what diplomatic situation unfolds, we will never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons," adding, "As long as I am Israel's prime minister, that will never happen."
Yoni Netanyahu was the commander of an Israeli special forces unit who died during the 1976 hostage rescue operation at Uganda's Entebbe Airport, and is revered in Israel as a national hero.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "Since my brother fell, I have devoted my life to this sacred mission," adding, "I will act decisively to safeguard Israel's vital national interests."
Netanyahu also defended the legitimacy of the military operations carried out over the past year targeting Iran. He said, "We took action to eliminate the regime's immediate threat of annihilation," arguing, "Had we not acted preemptively, Iran would already have obtained a nuclear bomb and used it."
Netanyahu took a hard line on the dispute with Hezbollah as well. He said, "We have achieved tremendous military results and will never relinquish them," adding, "We will continue to maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect residents in northern Israel."
The remarks came as follow-up negotiations between the United States and Iran over ending the Lebanon war have stalled. Even as diplomatic solutions are discussed, they are seen as making it clear there will be no concessions on Iran's nuclear program and the response to Hezbollah.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "As Israel's prime minister, I will maintain this position clearly and firmly," adding, "Nothing will change it."