Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his government will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, indicating that it continues to pose a threat to them and the entire world, at a time when US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged to support Israel's security.
And Netanyahu considered that Tehran continues to support what he described as "terrorists" in 5 continents and continues with its nuclear program, and will not give up its efforts to obtain nuclear weapons and missiles to deliver them.
He added in a press conference with Austin today, Monday, that his policy as prime minister of Israel is clear, and that it is not to allow Iran to have nuclear capabilities that would make it achieve its goals of annihilating Israel.
He stressed their determination to continue to defend themselves against "Iranian aggression and terrorism," he said.
Netanyahu: Tehran continues to support "terrorists" (Reuters)
Pledge and support
For his part, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed the US commitment to ensuring Israel's security and military supremacy in the region.
Austin expressed his confidence in the possibility of the United States and Israel charting a path to lasting and stable peace in the region, as he put it.
He indicated that the strong and close ties between the United States and Israel are central to regional stability and security in the Middle East, noting that the two sides agree on the need to continue working together to improve the US-Israeli strategic partnership.
Austin also mentioned that during his visit he discussed ways to expand and deepen defense ties in the face of regional threats and other security challenges.
Austin renewed the United States' pledge to guarantee Israel's security (Reuters)
Visit and hubs
Austin is the first US secretary to visit Israel since the inauguration of the administration of President Joe Biden on January 20.
According to Israeli officials, his visit, which began on Sunday, will focus on Israeli-American relations and the Iranian nuclear program.
Austin had visited the "Nevatim" base in southern Israel, accompanied by Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Chief of the Air Force Amikam Norkin, according to the "Times of Israel" news site.
The site indicated that Israel maintains "F-35" (F-35) aircraft in this air base.