Netanyahu says Israel would strike Iran a third time if needed, cites more deals ahead

JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israel would carry out a third strike against Iran if circumstances required, while also pointing to additional peace agreements in the pipeline. Speaking to reporters, Netanyahu said, "If conditions require, we will strike Iran a third time." He described his relationship with US President Donald Trump as "very good" while acknowledging that the two leaders have at times held differing views. Earlier the same day, Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon until what he described as the threat posed by Iran and Hezbollah had been removed. Israeli media reported that Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Katz conducted a field inspection in southern Lebanon. Lebanon's state news agency NNA said Israel struck multiple sites along the border area between Kantara and Deir Seryan, the town of Haddatha, and locations around the Litani River on Monday. A framework agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon on Friday envisions a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory following the verification of disarmed groups and the dismantling of related infrastructure.