Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News he expects U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran to be swift and decisive, not an "endless war." He called Iran's current leadership the weakest since 1979 and argued decisive action could open space for democratic change and new peace treaties in the region. Netanyahu highlighted Saudi Arabia as a potential partner and defended the timing of what he called "Operation Epic Fury," warning that delay would let Iran harden its nuclear and missile programs.
Netanyahu Says U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran Will Be Decisive, Not an "Endless War"
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the strikes Israel and the U.S. have carried out against Iran will not lead to an "endless war."(Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News in an exclusive interview with host Sean Hannity that he does not believe the current U.S. and Israeli campaign of strikes on Iran will become an "endless war." He described the Iranian leadership as "at the weakest point" since it took power in 1979 and framed the operation as intended to be swift and decisive.
"You're not going to have an endless war," Netanyahu said. "This terror regime in Iran is at the weakest point that it's been since it hijacked Iran from the brave Iranian people 47 years ago. So this is going to be a quick and decisive action."
People watch as smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
Netanyahu argued that removing Iran's current leadership could create conditions for democratic change inside Iran and open the door to additional peace agreements between Israel and other Muslim-majority countries. He singled out Saudi Arabia as a nation that stands to gain and predicted a closer Saudi-Israeli relationship if Iran's regime collapses.
Gateway To Broader Peace, He Says
Repeating his prior praise for the Abraham Accords, Netanyahu said collaboration with former U.S. President Donald J. Trump previously helped secure normalization agreements with several Arab states and that similar cooperation could yield "many, many more peace treaties." He described the strikes as a "gateway to peace," arguing the military actions are intended to produce long-term security gains rather than perpetual conflict.
People celebrate during a rally against Iran's ruling establishment in Los Angeles, California, U.S. February 28, 2026.
Netanyahu also dismissed claims that Israel had dragged the United States into a war with Iran, calling such assertions "ridiculous" and praising Trump as a resolute leader who acts in what he perceives to be America's interest.
On "Operation Epic Fury"
Defending the timing and scope of the military campaign—which he referred to as "Operation Epic Fury"—Netanyahu warned that delay would have allowed Iran to strengthen underground nuclear and missile facilities, making them harder to neutralize later. "If no action was taken now, no action could be taken in the future," he said, warning that fortified programs could later be used to threaten or coerce the United States and its allies.
Context: These remarks reflect the Israeli prime minister's perspective and strategic rationale for the strikes. Views on the campaign, its legality and likely outcomes vary among international actors, analysts and governments.
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