‘I Didn't Ask For Permission’: Netanyahu Reveals What He Told Donald Trump Before Striking Iran

Published 25 June 2026 · us

‘I Didn't Ask For Permission’: Netanyahu Reveals What He Told Donald Trump Before Striking Iran Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 11:31 IST Netanyahu

‘I Didn't Ask For Permission’: Netanyahu Reveals What He Told Donald Trump Before Striking Iran Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 11:31 IST Netanyahu said he resisted American pressure during the war in Gaza, particularly over Israel's decision to enter Rafah. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu | File photo credit: AFP US-Iran-Israel War: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel must be prepared to stand by its security interests even when facing opposition from its closest allies, declaring that there are times when leaders must know “how to tell even the President of the United States what we stand for." While speaking at the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel Conference, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, and said that although the Hezbollah is still in Lebanon, they are destroying its infrastructure. According to excerpts of the speech shared by the Prime Minister’s Office on X, Netanyahu said he resisted American pressure during the war in Gaza, particularly over Israel’s decision to enter Rafah.

“I told President Biden first of all, when they told me ‘Do not enter Rafah.’ Do you know why they said ‘Do not enter Rafah’? Because the President of the United States said he would halt the weapons supply. I said I respect him very much, and he even came here at the beginning of the war, but we have no choice, we will enter – and if we must, we will fight with our fingernails. Because there are moments when you must know how to tell even the President of the United States what we stand for." Netanyahu also revealed details of his conversation with Trump before Israel launched Operation Rising Lion against Iran. He said he informed the US president of Israel’s plans but did not seek approval. “When I came to President Trump before Operation Rising Lion, I told him we were going into Iran because I would not wait for those who openly declare they want to destroy us. I didn’t ask for permission; I simply informed him of our plan," Netanyahu said.

He added that he was pleased Trump later joined the effort through what he described as a significant action. The Israeli prime minister also pushed back against critics who had opposed military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iran. He argued that many of those who once warned against such actions are now criticising Israel for not going far enough. “Those who told us not to enter Gaza, Rafah, Lebanon, Syria or Iran are now saying we achieved only 80 or 90 per cent of our objectives," Netanyahu said. While acknowledging that challenges remain, Netanyahu said Israel had made significant progress, including degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities in Lebanon. His remarks come as diplomatic efforts continue over the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border. According to reports, Lebanese and Israeli representatives are holding discussions in Washington on potential pilot zones where Israeli forces could withdraw and the Lebanese army could deploy. Netanyahu’s comments underscore Israel’s determination to pursue its military objectives while maintaining that national security decisions will ultimately be made in Jerusalem, even when they differ from the preferences of international partners.