Iran no longer poses existential threat to Israel – Netanyahu

World News Iran no longer poses existential threat to Israel – Netanyahu Published on April 1, 2026 By Francis Ugwu googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1500386953281-8'); }); Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Iran no longer represents an existential threat to Israel, pointing to what he described as significant military and strategic gains in recent weeks of fighting. In a recorded message released ahead of the Passover holiday, Netanyahu said Israel had made “enormous accomplishments” in its ongoing campaign against Iran and its regional allies. He, however, acknowledged the cost of the conflict, including the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon a day earlier. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1524595905268-5'); }); “On this holiday of freedom, Israel is stronger than ever,” Netanyahu said, adding that Iran no longer has the capacity to threaten Israel’s existence. The remarks come as hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed groups enter a fifth week, with exchanges of fire reported across multiple fronts. Netanyahu said Israel, working with the United States, has conducted a series of strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile systems and proxy forces across the region. He said the operations had significantly weakened Tehran’s military capabilities. He also outlined what he described as a series of coordinated blows against Iran’s regional network, including operations against Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, armed groups in the West Bank, Houthi forces in Yemen, and targets inside Iran. According to him, Israeli strikes have hit nuclear-related facilities, missile production sites, state institutions and security agencies, as well as senior officials and scientists linked to Iran’s defence structure. Netanyahu further claimed that Iran’s long-term military investment, which he estimated at nearly $1 trillion, had been severely undermined by the campaign. He added that the balance of pressure had shifted, saying Israel now holds the strategic advantage, while Iran’s leadership has been weakened. Don't Miss Iran war: Expert forecasts Strait of Hormuz blockade effects on Africa You may like Iran: ‘It’s not for US’ – Trump abandons fight to reopen Strait of Hormuz 2026 World Cup: FIFA confirms final decision on Iran’s participation US: Oil prices surge as Iran’s drone sets Kuwait’s crude tanker ablaze War: US pounds Iran’s ammunition depot Iran: Trump informs aides of readiness to end war without reopening Strait of Hormuz Israel blames Iran for Jerusalem Church blockade on Palm Sunday

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/01/iran-no-longer-poses-existential-threat-to-israel-netanyahu/