What happened in Netanyahu’s five-hour long midnight meeting as US bombed Iran?

Soon after the US strikes ended, Netanyahu, in a televised statement, praised President Trump for the bold move, saying the attack would go down in history.

As US warplanes struck Iran’s nuclear sites in a major escalation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was locked in a late-night meeting with his top officials. The closed-door meeting lasted nearly five hours, running right through the US bombing operation.

According to CNN, the meeting began at 10 p.m. local time and ended around 3 a.m., just after the American strikes were carried out. A source said this was more than a routine briefing, it involved the country’s most senior security and political figures.

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Those present included Defense Minister Israel Katz, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Netanyahu’s close adviser Ron Dermer, the Mossad chief, Israel’s military head, and far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.

The group closely monitored the US strikes and likely discussed how Israel should respond if Iran retaliates, CNN report added. While there’s been no official word from Netanyahu’s office about what was decided, the timing and lineup suggest the meeting was serious and strategic.

'Peace through strength': Netanyahu praises Trump’s strike

Soon after the US strikes ended, Netanyahu, in a televised statement, praised President Trump for the bold move, saying the attack would go down in history.

He added:

“Congratulations, President Trump. Your bold decision to target Iran’s nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history. The people of Israel thank you. The forces of civilisation thank you.”

Trump Warns: More targets if Iran doesn’t back down

Back in Washington, President Trump delivered a national address shortly after the strikes, with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by his side.

“Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,” Trump said. “Iran’s key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”

He made it clear that if Iran doesn’t back down, more attacks could follow.

“If peace does not come quickly, we will go after those other targets with precision, speed, and skill,” Trump warned.

“There will either be peace or there will be tragedy for Iran—far greater than what we’ve seen over the last eight days. Remember, there are many targets left.”