Israeli opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of fabricating Iran nuclear claims to frighten public

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Israeli opposition leader and former army chief Gadi Eisenkot gives a speech at Reichman University in Herzliya on June 24, 2024. [GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images]

Former Israeli army chief and opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of fabricating claims that Iran possesses nuclear weapons in order to frighten the Israeli public.

According to Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Eisenkot made the remarks at a conference in central Israel, saying Netanyahu’s recent statements on Iran’s nuclear capabilities were false.

“Netanyahu said repugnant things. Iran had no nuclear bombs whatsoever. He is fabricating reality to frighten the Israeli public,” Eisenkot, who is also the head of Yashar party, was quoted as saying.

The newspaper said Eisenkot was referring to comments Netanyahu made Tuesday in an interview with Israel’s Channel 14, in which the prime minister said: “I entered Iran twice to save us from annihilation by atomic bombs that were already in their hands.”

Eisenkot, who served as Israel’s military chief of staff from 2015 to 2019, announced Tuesday that he intends to run for prime minister.

In February 2026, the US and Israel launched strikes targeting Iranian military installations and infrastructure, before the confrontation expanded into direct exchanges of fire.

READ: National forces join Gaza wounded in sit-in outside Red Cross, demanding travel and medical care

Israel also carried out a large-scale military operation against targets inside Iran in June 2025, saying it targeted Tehran’s nuclear program and missile capabilities. Iran denied seeking nuclear weapons, insisting its nuclear program is exclusively peaceful.

No international report has confirmed that Iran possesses nuclear weapons.

Netanyahu’s interview with the right-wing Channel 14 came as Israel prepares for general elections expected in the coming months.

The US and Israel accuse Iran of maintaining nuclear and missile programs that threaten Israel and US regional allies. Tehran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful and says it is not pursuing nuclear weapons.

Israel, which occupies Palestinian territories as well as land in Lebanon and Syria, is widely believed by international experts to be the only country in the Middle East possessing a nuclear arsenal, although it has never officially acknowledged it. Its nuclear facilities are not subject to International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards.

READ: Netanyahu admits failure to dismantle Hamas civil rule, says ‘voluntary migration’ still an option

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Experiencing issues with this image not appearing. I suspect because it's so critical of Zionist Keir Starmer's support of and complicity in Israel's genocides.
Genocide denier and Current UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is quoted that he supports Zionism without qualification. He also confirms that UK air force support has been essential in Israel’s mass-murdering genocide. Includes URLs https://www.declassifieduk.org/keir-starmers-100-spy-flights-over-gaza-in-support-of-israel/ and https://youtu.be/O74hZCKKdpA
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.

Continue ReadingIsraeli opposition leader accuses Netanyahu of fabricating Iran nuclear claims to frighten public

Israeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

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Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz holds a security situation assessment meeting with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Head of the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate (AMAN) Shlomi Binder and other senior commanders in Tel Aviv, Israel, on March 07, 2026. [Israeli Ministry of Defense – Anadolu Agency]

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed Wednesday army forces will not leave territory occupied in southern Lebanon “even if the United States demands withdrawal.”

“Israel will not leave its security zone in Lebanon, even if the United States demands withdrawal,” Katz said during an event in Tel Aviv, as cited by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

There was no immediate response from Washington.

The comments come as senior Israeli officials continue to insist on maintaining control over occupied areas in southern Lebanon despite a recent US-Iran understanding, which includes commitments related to respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz and Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir pledged to maintain control of what Israel describes as a “security zone” in southern Lebanon.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the 2023-2024 conflict. During its current military campaign, Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory.

Since March 2, Israel’s attacks in Lebanon have killed 4,192 people, wounded 12,171 others and displaced more than one million residents, according to Lebanese official figures.

Katz also vowed that Israel will not allow the return of around 200,000 Lebanese to their areas in southern Lebanon.

READ: Iran says Israeli strikes on Lebanon delayed next round of US talks

He claimed that allowing civilians to return could expose Israeli troops to attacks.

“What happened in the past in security zones that included civilian populations was the planting of explosive devices and attacks against soldiers,” he said.

“The soldiers are inside, the population is outside, the infrastructure is destroyed and the houses are demolished. We will not withdraw,” he said.

Katz further said Israel would maintain its occupation of areas in both Syria and Lebanon.

“We will not leave the security zone in Syria and Lebanon; this is the security doctrine,” he said, claiming that Israeli forces must “be present in enemy territory to protect Israeli communities.”

His remarks come as Lebanese and Israeli delegations are holding a fifth round of talks in Washington from Tuesday through Thursday.

According to Israeli media reports, the discussions include possible areas from which Israeli troops could withdraw and be replaced by Lebanese army forces.

In addition to occupying territory in southern Lebanon, Israel continues to occupy Palestinian territories and areas inside Syria, while rejecting international calls for withdrawal and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state in line with relevant UN resolutions.

READ: Israeli soldiers’ parents demand end to Lebanon fighting and return of troops

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.
Orcas discuss how Trump was re-elected and him being an obviously insane, xenophobic Fascist.

Continue ReadingIsraeli minister says army won’t leave occupied territory in Lebanon ‘even if US demands’ it

Germany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

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Government Spokesperson Stefan Kornelius holds a press conference in the capital, Berlin, Germany, on March 9, 2026. [Halil Sağırkaya – Anadolu Agency]

Germany said on Monday it is opposed to a permanent Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory following statements by Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz, who stated that his country would not withdraw from territory occupied in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

“The federal government’s position is quite clear: We reject a permanent presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory. Nor must the civilian population be prevented from returning to where they live,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese at a press briefing in Berlin.

Giese’s remarks were underscored by government spokesman Stefan Kornelius, who reiterated German “support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity.”

Katz claimed that Israeli forces have “no restriction” in Lebanon.

“There was and is no restriction on IDF soldiers in Lebanon from operating to remove threats,” he said.

“As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have made clear, Israel will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon,” Katz said.

His comments came after a major Israeli escalation in Lebanon on Friday and Saturday, during which the Israeli military launched more than 200 strikes across southern and eastern parts of the country.

An interim agreement between Washington and Tehran called for halting all hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.

READ: Israeli army won’t withdraw from occupied territory in southern Lebanon, defense minister says

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don't need people to join wars after they've already won. He's challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Donald Trump calls for help from NATO allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite saying on 7 March 2026 that they don’t need people to join wars after they’ve already won. He’s challenged with the claim that he lies as much as the IDF.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says he wishes someone would lock him up, small Orca speaks bluntly.

Continue ReadingGermany rejects presence of Israeli troops on Lebanese territory

Extremist Israeli ministers call for ‘burning’ Lebanon, opening ‘gates of hell’ after soldiers killed

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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in Jerusalem. [Photo by AMIR COHEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Israel’s far-right cabinet members, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, on Friday called for intensified attacks in Lebanon after the Israeli army said four soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports.

In a post on the US social media company X, Ben-Gvir said Israel should respond forcefully despite international pressure.

“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit. All of Lebanon must burn,” the extremist minister wrote.

“Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF (army), and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration,” he added.

Ben-Gvir noted he had conveyed his position directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “I told the Prime Minister, even in our private meetings: For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep.”

READ: 4 Israeli soldiers killed in Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon

Calling for a harsher attack, he added that in the Middle East it was necessary to “go berserk. To obliterate. To crush the terror.”

Another extremist minister Smotrich wrote on X, “A tough morning… Time to speak with fire. To open the gates of hell.”

The remarks came after the Israeli military announced that four soldiers had been killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, amid continuing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Despite a US-Iran deal that was reported to include provisions aimed at ending hostilities in Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued after midnight.

Earlier on Friday, at least 24 people were killed and several others injured in a series of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s official news agency (NNA).

The agency said the attacks hit inhabited homes in Al-Sharqiyah, Harouf, and Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district, also leaving several people unaccounted for.

According to the latest official figures, Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon, which began on March 2, has killed 3,912 people, injured 11,873 others, and displaced more than one million residents.

During the recent military campaign, Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6 miles) into Lebanese territory.

READ: 28 killed as Israel keeps attacking Lebanon despite US-Iran deal coming into force

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir "I support Zionism without Qualification" Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his - Labour and Israel's - Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they've got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Keir “I support Zionism without Qualification” Starmer supporting genocide. He berates Palestine Action for upholding international law and prevent his – Labour and Israel’s – Gaza genocide. Starmer says that that they’ve got a genocide to achieve, forced marches like the Nazis did, hospitals to bomb into obliteration, journalists, healthcare workers and starving people queuing for food to mass-murder and that they have to murder all Gazans for Zionism.
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up
Orcas discuss rotting brain, front Orca says Sundown Syndrome is a dead givaway and he wishes someone would Lock Him Up

Continue ReadingExtremist Israeli ministers call for ‘burning’ Lebanon, opening ‘gates of hell’ after soldiers killed

Israeli ministers call for bombing Beirut despite ceasefire

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Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (L) and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in Jerusalem. [Photo by AMIR COHEN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images]

Two Israeli Cabinet ministers called Sunday for resuming airstrikes on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital of Beirut despite an ongoing ceasefire, Anadolu Agency reports.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel should “fire for every violation” by Hezbollah and for every drone launched by the Lebanese group.

“Dahiyeh must tremble,” he said on US social media company X, referring to Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also demanded Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “take down buildings in Dahiyeh today.”

READ: Ben-Gvir calls for Israel to take Lebanese women and children hostage

“The fire toward the northern settlements is a test of the Dahiyeh equation that the Prime Minister announced,” Smotrich said on X.

The call by the hardline politicians came after the Israeli army reported a drone attack from Lebanon targeting military positions in northern Israel.

The Israeli army continued its daily airstrikes in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire agreement that has been in effect since April 17.

The Israeli attacks have killed more than 3,700 people, wounded nearly 11,500 and displaced over 1.5 million since March 2, according to Lebanese officials.

READ: Israel won’t withdraw from southern Lebanon under US-Iran understandings: Israeli media

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Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel's genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism "without qualification". Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/
Keir Starmer explains that UK is actively supporting Israel’s genocidal expansion and repeats his previous quotation that he supports Zionism “without qualification”. Keir Starmer said “I said it loud and clear – and meant it – that I support Zionism without qualification.” here: https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/keir-starmer-interview-i-will-work-to-eradicate-antisemitism-from-day-one/

Continue ReadingIsraeli ministers call for bombing Beirut despite ceasefire