Netanyahu warns Iran not to resume ballistic missile program, while encouraging Iranian people to protest
Iran - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel would not allow its archenemy Iran to resume its ballistic missile program. In recent months, Israeli officials and media have been concerned that Iran is rebuilding its ballistic missile arsenal. Previously, Iran's missile arsenal was damaged during the 12-day war with Israel in June.
According to AFP, Netanyahu told Israeli lawmakers, "We will not allow Iran to resume its ballistic missile industry, of course we will not allow it to restart our severely damaged nuclear program."
He also said, "If we are attacked, Iran will face very serious consequences."
Just days ago, Trump threatened to "eliminate" Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Previously, Trump and Netanyahu met in Washington last week.
Trump said that Iran "may be taking improper actions," and is considering building new nuclear facilities to replace those facilities that were struck by the US in the same conflict, while also rebuilding its missile stockpile.
"I hope they don't try to rebuild their defenses anymore, because if they really do, we will have no choice but to quickly eliminate these defenses," Trump said, adding that the US response "may be stronger than last time."
Trump said he believes Iran still intends to reach an agreement with Washington on their nuclear missile programs. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu said that the protests in Iran "have greatly expanded in scale."
On December 28, merchants in the capital Tehran held a strike due to high prices and economic stagnation, sparking the protests.
Since then, the protests spread to other cities and expanded to political demands.
Last Sunday, Netanyahu said that Israel stands with the Iranian people in supporting the ongoing demonstrations.
Netanyahu said at his weekly cabinet meeting, "We support the struggle of the Iranian people, their desire for freedom, liberation, and justice."
Sources: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1853537311912969/
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