Netanyahu says war against Iran may take 'some time', but not years

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran may take "some time" but it will not take years.



The U.S. and Israeli air war against Iran began with attacks against Tehran on Saturday, killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and prompting Iranian retaliation against Israel and missile attacks at Arab nations with U.S. bases across the Middle East.



President Donald Trump initially projected the war to last four to five weeks, but added it could go on longer, and has since sought to justify a broad, open-ended war on Iran.



Netanyahu rejected the idea of the conflict lasting years, like previous wars in the region.



"I said it could be quick and decisive. It may take some time, but it's not going to take years. It's not an endless war," Netanyahu said on Fox News' "Hannity" program.



The assault on Iran formed part of a list of Trump's foreign policy actions that have marked a striking shift from his "America First" rhetoric against U.S. interventions when he campaigned in the 2024 elections.



Netanyahu said he saw the war as an opportunity for lasting peace in the Middle East, including between Israel and Saudi Arabia.