PM Olmert talks to reporters on his way to meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Portugal, saying that at this time "Europeans cannot join pressure on Iran" • "New US deployment in Syria is better for Israel"

• Netanyahu takes the plane to Portugal // Photo: Kobi Gideon - GPO

Ahead of his landing in Lisbon and meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed satisfaction that his talks with the US administration had an impact.

Photo: Newsenders

Speaking to reporters on his plane, Netanyahu cited three phone conversations with President Trump. One conversation was about the removal of US forces from Syria, in another conversation earlier this week, the two talked about anti-Iran protests in Iran, Iraq and Lebanon.

"There is now a widespread weakening of Iran - its economic resources are beginning to tighten as it tries to expand its empire, as it calls it. This creates political and control problems, including in Iran. And I put pressure on Iran. I also talked before the meeting with Pompeo about the protests in Baghdad, Beirut and Iran. There is no reason to help them but to press more. We must understand that we are at a significant juncture. "

"I am not saying that because of the president's steps he was taking, but glad that he expressed it," Netanyahu said. "There is a widespread impact on Iran," he said, however.

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"There must be increased pressure on Iran," Netanyahu said. "The defense alliance with the United States is a tremendous thing for Israel in this regard. I know there are disagreements about it, but it is possible to address all the concerns that people raise. The opportunity overcomes the concerns," Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu also said on the plane that, "operationally," the new US deployment in Syria is better for Israel.