Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared today (Wednesday) that Israel will continue to act to prevent nuclear weapons from Iran, speaking during the reburial ceremony for Shimon and Rivka Herzl—the grandparents of Theodor Herzl—who were brought from Serbia and interred on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
“Today we heard IRGC Commander Vahidi explicitly state Iran’s intention to continue developing nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said. “As Prime Minister of Israel, I am equally determined to continue—to continue preventing Iran from possessing nuclear weapons.”
Netanyahu underscored the importance of the alliance with the United States, calling President Donald Trump “our greatest friend, the greatest friend we have ever had in the White House.” According to him, Israel and the United States are acting together against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The Prime Minister added that “Israel’s existence is not subject to negotiation,” declaring: “With an agreement or without an agreement, I am determined, we are all determined, to do whatever is necessary to guarantee our security and our future.”
In his speech, Netanyahu connected the reburial of the Herzl family members to the foundational pillars of Zionism, including Judaism, the Torah, the Bible, and the chain of generations. He remarked that the prayers and dreams of Herzl’s grandparents in the Diaspora were forged by their grandson into a practical action plan that altered the course of Jewish history.
Netanyahu also addressed the war and unity within Israeli society, stating that after October 7th, the understanding deepened that Israel cannot permit the establishment of a Palestinian terror state, which he noted aims to destroy the Jewish nation-state. He praised IDF soldiers and combatants, calling on the public not to allow slanders originating from abroad to seep into Israel.
Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu stated that the remains of Shimon-Leib and Rivka Herzl have been brought to Israel’s capital, adding that “the vision has come to pass and turned into reality. Zionism has won. The grandson, Theodor Herzl, has won. And with God’s help and the bravery of our fighters—we are winning.”