Netanyahu says Israel aware Iran conducting 'exercises' recently

Netanyahu says Israel aware Iran conducting 'exercises' recently
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a joint press conference in Jerusalem, December 22, 2025.
Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.

Netanyahu made the remarks at a joint press conference in Jerusalem with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. He warned that any hostile action by Iran against Israel would be met with a “very severe response,” while emphasising that Israel seeks stability rather than confrontation.

Iranian state media reported missile drills in multiple cities earlier on Monday, marking the second such exercise in a month. Netanyahu said Israel is “following this and doing all the necessary preparations” and stressed that Tehran’s nuclear activities would also be discussed with the U.S. president Donald Trump.

The trilateral meeting also addressed regional security and infrastructure cooperation, including initiatives linking India to Europe via Middle Eastern sea and rail networks. Greek officials highlighted Greece’s role as an emerging liquefied natural gas hub for south-eastern Europe.

Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen described the meeting as particularly significant amid regional tensions, underlining Israel’s aim of coordinating with the U.S. on Iran, countering Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, and advancing the next phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza plan. Netanyahu’s upcoming Washington trip underscores the country’s focus on regional security and strengthening eastern Mediterranean partnerships.

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