Published July 10th, 2026 - 09:25 GMT
ALBAWABA — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss escalating regional tensions, warning about what he described as increasingly hostile rhetoric from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan while reaffirming Israel's stance on Iran and regional security.According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the two leaders reviewed recent developments across the Middle East and pledged to maintain close coordination between Israel and the United States. During the conversation, Netanyahu raised concerns over Erdoğan's recent statements about Israel, arguing that they pose a growing security challenge and reiterating the need for security buffer zones along Israel's borders.The discussion also focused on the situation in the Gulf, with Trump reportedly updating Netanyahu on ongoing U.S. military operations in the region. Israeli media, citing an unnamed source, reported that Israel is awaiting Washington's approval before taking part in any direct military action against Iran.The developments come as the United States continues military strikes it says are in response to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by claiming responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain, further raising concerns over a broader regional escalation. Q: Do you think that that Prime Minister Netanyahu should be re-elected?Trump: He's been a great wartime President... or Prime Minister. We did a big thing together. I don't know anything about his politics, I'm not sure. I would think he should be popular. pic.twitter.com/ntOOEr5ChF— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) July 8, 2026 Separately, Netanyahu declared that Israel's confrontation with Iran is "far from over," saying the country remains prepared for every possible scenario. He insisted that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains Israel's highest security priority, regardless of whether the issue is resolved through diplomacy or military action.Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir echoed those remarks, saying the military is closely monitoring developments in both Iran and Lebanon and remains on full operational readiness. Israeli media also reported that defense officials are preparing for the possibility of renewed Iranian retaliation or an escalation along the Lebanese border as tensions continue to mount.
