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Israeli opposition leader says Israel must continue Iran war even if US withdraws

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Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman speaks during a meeting at the parliament, Knesset, in Jerusalem on March 20, 2023. [Photo by GIL COHEN-MAGEN/AFP via Getty Images]

Israeli opposition leader Avigdor Lieberman called Monday for continuing the war with Iran even if the US withdraws, following remarks by US President Donald Trump about “constructive talks” with Tehran.

“If the US exits the war, we must continue. From our perspective, toppling the regime is essential,” Lieberman, head of the Yisrael Beytenu party, said at the opening of his party faction’s meeting, as reported by the daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

Lieberman sharply criticized the Israeli government, saying it was focusing on internal legislative issues while security threats persist.

“While residents of the north hear an air raid siren every few minutes, the Knesset will discuss the fate of the people of Israel and the expansion of the powers of rabbinical courts—this is absolute madness,” he said.

Trump said Monday that he has ordered a 5-day postponement of all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the past two days.

READ: Trump pauses strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 5 days after ‘productive’ talks

“I am pleased to report that the United States of America and the country of Iran have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump added that based on the “tenor and tone of these in-depth, detailed, and constructive conversations, which [sic] will continue throughout the week,” he has instructed the Department of Defense to postpone all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for a five-day period.

The pause is subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions, he added.

Regional escalation has continued to flare since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing so far over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

READ: Iranian president says threats will strengthen national unity