Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that the ongoing war against Iran may take some time, but it will not drag on for years.

His remarks come amid U.S. and Israeli air strikes following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and escalating regional tensions.

Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Netanyahu described the war as potentially “quick and decisive.”

“It may take some time, but it’s not going to take years. It’s not an endless war,” he said, pushing back against fears of a prolonged Middle Eastern conflict reminiscent of past U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Israeli leader also framed the war as a pathway to lasting regional peace, suggesting the conflict could open opportunities for normalized relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

President Donald Trump initially projected the war would last four to five weeks, though he later acknowledged it could take longer. Over recent days, Trump’s stated aims have shifted from implicitly supporting regime change in Iran to preventing nuclear development and thwarting long-range missile programs.

Netanyahu highlighted that the U.S. and Israel are creating conditions for the Iranian people to challenge their government, but emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with Iran’s citizens.

Public opinion and regional impact

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed only one in four Americans support the U.S. strikes on Iran, reflecting skepticism rooted in long, costly wars in the Middle East.

The conflict has prompted Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases across Arab nations. Despite the escalation, Netanyahu framed the military action as a necessary step for regional stability and long-term peace.

Israel is widely believed to be the only Middle Eastern country with nuclear weapons, while the U.S. maintains a significant nuclear arsenal. Both nations cite preventing Iran from developing nuclear capabilities as a key justification for ongoing military operations.