Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a controversial statement claiming that the West Asia would be in chaos without Israel's presence and role in maintaining regional stability.
The speech was delivered to the Israeli military leadership yesterday after several days of a ceasefire was reached following a major conflict between Israel and Iran.
Netanyahu also claimed that without Israel's presence, the West Asia risks being engulfed in chaos, while emphasizing his country's role in containing the influence of Iran and the Hamas and Hezbollah groups.
He also stressed that Israel not only defends itself, but acts as a security bulwark for Arab countries.
He has been criticized by international leaders and analysts for allegedly trying to divert attention from domestic pressure and global condemnation of Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon.
The statement came as tensions escalated after Israel's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Tehran's missile response to cities in Israel.
