Fact Check: "Netanyahu warns, 'Today it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York.'"
What We Know
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a statement during a recent interview where he warned about the potential threat posed by Iran, saying, "Today it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York" (source-3). This remark was part of a broader defense of Israel's military actions against Iran, where Netanyahu emphasized the urgency of addressing the Iranian nuclear threat. He indicated that Iran's advancements in missile technology could extend their reach beyond the Middle East, potentially threatening cities in the United States (source-5).
Analysis
Netanyahu's statement has been reported consistently across multiple reputable sources, including The Economic Times and The Times of Israel. The context of the quote suggests that Netanyahu is using hyperbolic language to underscore the seriousness of the Iranian threat, particularly in relation to their missile capabilities (source-3, source-5).
However, the claim that he explicitly warned that "today it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York" has been taken out of context in some discussions. While he did make this statement, the implication that he is directly threatening New York or suggesting an imminent attack is not substantiated by the full context of his remarks. Instead, it appears to be a rhetorical device aimed at rallying support for military action against Iran (source-7).
The reliability of the sources reporting this statement is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of covering Middle Eastern politics. However, the sensational nature of the quote can lead to misinterpretations, especially in politically charged environments.
Conclusion
The claim that Netanyahu warned, "Today it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York," is False in the sense that it has been mischaracterized. While he did make the statement, it was part of a broader discussion regarding the Iranian threat and should not be interpreted as a direct warning of an impending attack on New York. The context of his remarks suggests a strategic warning rather than an explicit threat.
Sources
- Netanyahu thanks Trump for support; tells Iranians 'your liberation ... Times of Israel
- Full text of Netanyahu’s UN speech: ‘Enough is enough,’ he says ... Times of Israel
- “It's basically Hitler's nuclear team”: Netanyahu compares ... Economic Times
- Benjamin Netanyahu - The Times of Israel Times of Israel
- Netanyahu's other battle: swinging Trump and US behind ... KPVI
- Poll: 66% of Israelis want Netanyahu to leave politics, 85% support … Times of Israel
- Netanyahu suggests killing Iran's supreme leader ... Economic Times
- Netanyahu returns as PM, wins Knesset support for Israel’s most ... Times of Israel
