Netanyahu warns of 'complex, difficult' days ahead amid Iran tensions

2026-02-23 - 22:12

sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that the country is navigating "complex and very difficult" days amid escalating tensions with Iran, signaling growing concern over the prospect of a broader regional confrontation. Speaking before the Knesset, Netanyahu said the coming period would "touch the life of the nation," adding that "no one knows what tomorrow holds" and calling for national unity as Israel prepares for possible escalation. Opposition Unity and Calls for Strikes Opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced support for the government's tough stance while urging even more aggressive action. "You know I am the opposition leader and Netanyahu and I are rivals, but on this he is right. Iran must be attacked with full force," Lapid said, according to daily Yedioth Ahronoth. He called for striking Iranian oil fields and energy facilities, claiming such attacks would help bring down the "Ayatollah regime" even at the cost of diplomatic friction with Washington. "If a confrontation erupts, we will all set aside our disagreements," he added. Security Consultations and US Coordination Israeli Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu convened a "limited" security meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Mossad chief David Barnea, and Military Intelligence head Shlomi Binder to discuss the possibility of a US strike on Iran. Public broadcaster KAN reported that Israel is preparing for potential US-imposed restrictions during the first hours of an American attack, but would receive a "green light" to immediately retaliate if Iran launches ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv. US refueling aircraft reportedly landed at Ben Gurion Airport Monday evening, underscoring Washington's military buildup in the region. Diplomatic Timeline Israel's Security Cabinet met Sunday for over three hours to assess war risks, with Channel 12 reporting that officials view the next round of US-Iran talks, scheduled for Thursday in Geneva, as a critical juncture. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi confirmed Monday that fresh negotiations between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear file will take place in Geneva, following Omani-mediated sessions in Muscat on Feb. 6 and Geneva last week. The dual-track approach of diplomacy backed by military preparations reflects the high stakes as the window for negotiation narrows.