Netanyahu says external forces seek to impose 'Iran-sponsored Palestinian state'

• Netanyahu said that Tehran has not abandoned its plan to destroy 'Israel'.
• Netanyahu called for a national unity government.

'Israel's' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that external forces are attempting to impose a Palestinian state under Iranian patronage, stating that the only permanent solution to regional conflict is the collapse of the government in Tehran.

Speaking as 'Israel’s' 26th Knesset convened for its opening session, Netanyahu centered his political and security address on confronting Iran, asserting that Tehran remains committed to existential conflict.

"They are trying to impose on us the establishment of a Palestinian state sponsored by Iran," Netanyahu said. "Iran has not given up its plan to destroy 'Israel'. The only way to remove the danger of Iran is to topple the regime."

Netanyahu also stated that "there is pressure on us to retreat from our achievements in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon." To counter these pressures, he urged lawmakers across the political divide to form a broad-based national unity government.

Attacks on Arab parties

Netanyahu also attacked the parliamentary opposition's potential coalition maneuvers, ruling out any political reliance on Arab-led parties and warning rivals against forming a narrow government that depends on their votes or legislative backing.

Addressing his Likud faction at the opening of the 26th Knesset, Netanyahu sought to draw a distinction between Arab citizens and the faction leaders: "There are those in the Knesset who speak seriously about forming a government that relies on supporters of terrorism and haters of 'Israel', and I am not speaking about Arabs in general. I'm talking about people whose ideology is hatred of 'Israel' and the elimination of the Jewish state."

Netanyahu dismissed any distinction between the factions, adding: "There are those who believe that there is a difference between the moderate United Arab List (Ra'am) and the Joint List. This is incorrect, because both lists agree on the dismantling of the State of 'Israel'."

Directly addressing opposition rivals currently holding negotiations to construct an alternative ruling coalition, Netanyahu challenged their judgment in considering partnerships with the Arab parties.

"What do you think the real goal of these factions is?" Netanyahu asked. "Don't you understand what they really want to achieve? What is their national aspiration?"