Breaking: Netanyahu Says Israel Moved Without Approval

According to the Jerusalem Post, the Middle East edged closer to a wider crisis on Thursday night as Benjamin Netanyahu openly admitted Israel struck one of Iran’s most critical energy lifelines—alone.

Standing before reporters in Jerusalem, Netanyahu confirmed the bold attack on infrastructure linked to the South Pars gas field, the largest natural gas reserve in the world. His message was direct and unapologetic: Israel didn’t wait for approval.

“Israel ‘acted alone’,” he said, underscoring that the mission was carried out without direct involvement from the United States.

But behind the show of strength was a quieter note of caution. Just hours earlier, Donald Trump had publicly distanced Washington from the strike, insisting the U.S. “knew nothing” about it. According to Netanyahu, Trump has since urged Israel to avoid repeating such attacks.

“President Trump asked us to hold off on such future attacks and we are,” Netanyahu revealed—hinting at a temporary restraint, even as tensions boil over.

Still, the Israeli leader painted a picture of a war turning in his favor. After nearly three weeks of relentless airstrikes, he claimed Iran’s military strength is crumbling.

“We are winning, and Iran is being decimated,” he said. “What we’re destroying now are the factories that produce the components to make these missiles and to make the nuclear weapons that they’re trying to produce.”

He did not provide evidence to back those claims.

The conflict, which erupted into open confrontation late last month, is already sending shockwaves far beyond the battlefield. Iran has fired back with missile strikes and disrupted key oil routes, raising fears of a global energy squeeze.

And the war may be far from its most dangerous phase. Netanyahu suggested that airstrikes alone may not be enough, hinting that a ground offensive could be on the table.

Despite the growing risks, he rejected any suggestion that Israel is pulling the U.S. deeper into the conflict. “Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do?” he said.

For now, the region remains on edge—caught between escalation and restraint, with the next move uncertain and the stakes higher than ever.