Fact check: Israeli PM Netanyahu said that it's in America's interest to support Israel as it seeks to eliminate Iran's nuclear program. Today, it's Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it's New York.

1. Summary of the results

The statement accurately reflects Netanyahu's recent public position. Netanyahu did make the specific statement quoted, telling ABC News that it's in America's interest to support Israel as it seeks to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, using the exact phrase "Today, it's Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it's New York" ^[1]. This statement was made in the context of ongoing military exchanges between Israel and Iran, with sources confirming that Israel and Iran have exchanged fire for a sixth day ^[2].

Netanyahu's position is rooted in his belief that Iran is "marching very quickly" toward a nuclear bomb ^[2], and sources confirm that destroying Iran's nuclear program has been Netanyahu's long-standing priority ^[3]. The timing of this statement coincides with Israel's calculated decision to strike Iran, representing what sources describe as a moment of truth for Netanyahu ^{[4] [3]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original statement omits crucial intelligence disagreements between Israel and the United States. The U.S. intelligence community maintains that Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program in 2003 ^[2], and U.S. intelligence assessments conclude Iran is not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon and is up to three years away from being able to produce and deliver one ^[5]. This directly contradicts Netanyahu's urgency claims.

However, the nuclear threat assessment is complex. Iran has accumulated enough uranium enriched to 60% purity to potentially make 10 nuclear weapons, but still needs to take several additional steps to produce a nuclear bomb ^[2]. Sources indicate that Israel's airstrikes have set back Iran's nuclear program ^[2], suggesting Netanyahu's actions may have achieved tactical objectives regardless of the intelligence disputes.

The statement also lacks context about who benefits from escalating this narrative. Netanyahu would benefit politically from U.S. support for military action against Iran, as it aligns with his long-held strategic objectives and potentially strengthens his domestic political position during ongoing regional conflict.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the quote itself is accurate, the statement presents Netanyahu's assessment as fact without acknowledging the significant intelligence disagreements. The U.S. intelligence community has a different interpretation, saying Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program in 2003 ^[2], and the U.S. says Iran has not authorized the building of a nuclear weapon ^[2].

The framing implies imminent nuclear threat to American cities without presenting the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran is up to three years away from being able to produce and deliver a nuclear weapon ^[5]. This selective presentation could mislead audiences about the actual timeline and immediacy of any potential threat to the United States.

The statement also fails to acknowledge that Netanyahu's position may be influenced by his calculated decision-making process regarding striking Iran ^[4], which serves Israeli strategic interests that may not perfectly align with U.S. assessments or priorities.