NETANYAHU LAUDS TRUMP'S DECISION TO BOMB IRAN AS BIBLICAL 'MIRACLE'
TEL AVIV, Israel - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised US President Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iran's nuclear site at Fordow as a "miracle" reminiscent of biblical times, sparking controversy and debate among lawmakers and analysts.
During his speech to parliament on October 12, Netanyahu appeared to lose his train of thought, saying: "This is one of the miracles of the Bible. We are witnessing it before our eyes." The remarks were met with applause from some lawmakers but also drew criticism for their tone and content.
The US military operation, which took place in the early hours of October 12, targeted Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, a site believed to be involved in the country's uranium enrichment program. The move was seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, with some analysts warning of potential retaliation from Tehran.
Netanyahu's comments were widely reported in Israeli media outlets, with many interpreting them as an attempt to frame Trump's decision as a divine intervention. However, not all lawmakers shared this view. "While we appreciate the support of our American allies, we must be cautious not to blur the lines between politics and faith," said MK Tamar Zandberg, a member of the opposition Meretz party.
The Israeli government has long been critical of Iran's nuclear program, with Netanyahu repeatedly warning of the dangers of a nuclear-armed Tehran. The US decision to bomb Fordow was seen as a response to this concern, but also raised questions about the potential consequences for regional stability and global security.
In a statement released after the operation, Trump said: "The United States will not stand idly by while Iran develops a nuclear capability that threatens our friends and partners in the region." The move was welcomed by some Israeli lawmakers, who saw it as a necessary step to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
However, others expressed concern about the potential fallout from the operation. "We must be careful not to create more problems than we solve," said MK Ayman Odeh of the Hadash party. "The region is already volatile enough without adding fuel to the fire."
As tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, analysts are closely watching for any signs of retaliation from Tehran. The Israeli government has vowed to support its American allies in the face of any potential Iranian response.
In a statement released after Netanyahu's speech, the Prime Minister's Office said: "The Prime Minister's words were meant to express his appreciation for the US decision and its significance for regional security." However, the controversy surrounding Netanyahu's comments is likely to continue, with many lawmakers calling for greater transparency and accountability in government decision-making.
Background:
The Fordow nuclear facility was built by Iran in secret and has been the subject of international concern due to its potential use in uranium enrichment. The US operation targeted a site at Fordow believed to be involved in this program.
Policy Impact:
The bombing of Iran's nuclear site at Fordow is seen as a significant escalation of tensions between the US and Iran, with potential consequences for regional stability and global security.
Additional Perspectives:
MK Tamar Zandberg (Meretz party): "While we appreciate the support of our American allies, we must be cautious not to blur the lines between politics and faith."
MK Ayman Odeh (Hadash party): "We must be careful not to create more problems than we solve. The region is already volatile enough without adding fuel to the fire."
Current Status:
The Israeli government has vowed to support its American allies in the face of any potential Iranian response, while analysts are closely watching for signs of retaliation from Tehran.
Next Developments:
As tensions between the US and Iran continue to escalate, the international community will be closely monitoring developments in the region. Any signs of retaliation from Tehran could have significant consequences for regional stability and global security.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*