Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said after an overnight security meeting chaired by PM Netanyahu that Israel's long-term goal is the collapse of the Iranian regime via economic pressure. He stressed Israel is prepared for any development and warned Iran would 'regret' an attack. The meeting lasted over five and a half hours, ending around 1:30 a.m., according to Israeli media reports.
The overnight security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after more than five and a half hours. In his first public remarks following the meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the US naval blockade as the "most advantageous" scenario for Israel, stating that the long-term objective is the collapse of the Iranian regime through sustained economic pressure. Smotrich stressed that Israel is prepared for any development and warned that Tehran would "regret it" if it attacks Israel.
The Zioneer first reported the meeting and Smotrich's initial comments at 10:34 a.m. Tuesday, noting the marathon session and the early-morning conclusion. Within minutes, additional reports confirmed that Smotrich had said Israel is ready for any scenario if Iran fires. By 11:09 a.m., further details emerged, including the explicit warning and the characterization of the naval blockade – initially reported as "best for Israel" – now framed as "most advantageous." The accounts were corroborated by multiple Israeli news outlets, including i24NEWS and N13.
The statements come amid a broader context of US-Iran tensions and Israeli security deliberations. As The Zioneer reported on June 8, 2026, Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir had pushed for striking Iranian energy infrastructure in a cabinet rift. On June 15, Prime Minister Netanyahu warned ministers that there would be "no immunity, not in Beirut nor in Tehran," and later that day claimed Israel had inflicted up to $1 trillion in damage to Iran's economy. The current stance reflects a preference for economic pressure over direct military engagement, as the US continues its naval blockade.
What remains unclear is whether Smotrich's remarks represent a formal cabinet consensus or his personal position. The duration and specific terms of the US naval blockade have not been publicly detailed, and it is uncertain how Iran might respond to the economic pressure strategy.
4 developments
- StrongNetanyahu held overnight security consultation; Smotrich: Israel has no interest in US-Iran conflict
- DevelopingSmotrich says there is a crisis with Trump, challenge is managing it without harming Israeli security
- ConfirmedSmotrich: Israel will not withdraw from Lebanon, deepening rift with US over Iran deal
- DevelopingSmotrich calls for massive Lebanon response instead of tit-for-tat with Iran
Source and signal
- Internal intake