AI-generated illustration

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to bring about the collapse of the Iranian government as he set out an aggressive national security doctrine in a briefing with Israeli journalists in his West Jerusalem office. The briefing, his first doctrinal presentation in 10 years, was broadcast by the Prime Minister's Office.

Netanyahu described the elections scheduled for October 27 as being of existential importance and promised to complete the war aims. The roughly two-hour session was boycotted by many Israeli media outlets.

Preventive strikes as a guiding principle

Netanyahu described preventive attacks as the fundamental principle of the new doctrine. He argued that Iran's nuclear ambitions rank among the greatest threats to Israel and that toppling the Iranian regime remains a core strategic objective.

Iran's worsening economy is increasing popular pressure and could spark new protests, Netanyahu said. "Our plan is a very comprehensive and determined plan to bring about the collapse of the regime. That is the instruction I have given to all the security institutions," he said.

Asked about striking Iran without US support, Netanyahu insisted that Israel is not dependent on Washington. "Where necessary, we will act independently as well. We have done so before and we will do so again if needed," he said.

Attacks in the occupied West Bank

Addressing attacks carried out in recent days in the occupied West Bank by Israelis seizing Palestinian land against Palestinians, Israeli and foreign activists, journalists and even diplomats, Netanyahu referred to the Israelis who repeatedly attack Palestinians as "rebellious youth."

He claimed that the level of international attention and condemnation was exaggerated and played down the violence in the occupied West Bank.

Gaza and Lebanon

On Gaza, Netanyahu repeated his claim that he will not allow the reconstruction of the area unless Hamas is disarmed. In Lebanon, he said Hezbollah must be disarmed by the Beirut government, and renewed the threat of attack, saying that otherwise "they will do the job themselves in Gaza and Lebanon."

Relations with Washington and defense spending

Netanyahu said time is limited before US President Donald Trump's term ends. "In two years, a president who adopts an extremely hostile posture toward Israel may take office in Washington. We must do everything we can during these two years and work to build many alliances in our region and beyond," he said.

He named India and Latin American countries as potential partners and claimed that the governments of Arab and European countries were seeking rapprochement and "talking to Israel about arms and defense industry supplies."

Netanyahu said Israel would expand domestic weapons production, including military underground facilities, through security investments totaling about $145 billion. He rejected claims that he is seeking a national unity government ahead of the elections, while saying he wants "a broad-based government" to be formed.

Key takeaways

• Netanyahu pledged to bring about the collapse of Iran's government, calling preventive strikes the basis of the new doctrine
• He described the October 27 elections as existentially important and promised to complete the war aims
• He downplayed settler attacks in the occupied West Bank and repeated threats against Hamas and Hezbollah
• He said Israel will expand domestic weapons production with security investments of about $145 billion