JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out stringent conditions for any potential agreement with Iran, warning that failure to meet them could reignite the conflict in Gaza. Speaking at a public conference on Sunday following his recent meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, Netanyahu emphasized the need for Iran to dismantle its nuclear materials, halt uranium enrichment, and cease ballistic missile development.
Netanyahu expressed deep skepticism about Tehran’s intentions, stating that Israel views any deal with caution. ‘President Trump is determined to seize this opportunity for a deal,’ he noted, but added that Israel seeks to transform its alliance with America from one of aid dependency to true partnership, bolstered by a robust domestic defense industry.
Shifting focus to Gaza, Netanyahu detailed Israel’s military progress, claiming forces have destroyed 150 kilometers of the 500-kilometer tunnel network built by Hamas. ‘We must finish the job,’ he declared, vowing to eliminate weapons labs and facilities used by militants to rearm and regroup. Israel is giving the Gaza ceasefire a chance, but Netanyahu made clear: if necessary to eradicate Hamas, the war will resume without hesitation.
Recent violence underscores the fragility of the truce. Gaza health officials report that since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire, Israeli operations have killed 601 Palestinians and wounded 1,607 others. On Sunday alone, civil defense authorities tallied at least 11 deaths from Israeli airstrikes, including strikes on a tent sheltering displaced people in Jabalia refugee camp and a gathering in Khan Younis, where 10 perished.
A drone attack in Tel al-Hawa killed Islamic Jihad member Sami al-Dahdouh, with several others injured. Separate strikes in northern Gaza wounded three more. Artillery shelling targeted Sheikh Zayed and Al-Tuffah neighborhoods, demolishing homes. Israel has not commented on Sunday’s incidents, but on Saturday, the IDF reported neutralizing armed militants emerging from underground structures in northern Gaza, calling it a blatant ceasefire violation.
Hamas accused Israel of genocide and ceasefire breaches. As tensions simmer, Netanyahu’s tough stance on Iran and Gaza signals Israel’s resolve amid escalating regional threats.