Netanyahu says war with Iran may require ‘ground component’ as conflict escalates
TOI GLOBAL | Mar 20, 2026, 23:15 IST
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Benjamin Netanyahu said the war with Iran may require a “ground component,” arguing that airstrikes alone may not achieve Israel’s goals. His comments come as fighting continues and the U.S. increases military alerts, though President Trump said there are no plans to send American ground troops.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the ongoing war with Iran may eventually require a “ground component,” suggesting that airstrikes alone may not be enough to achieve Israel’s objectives as fighting in the region intensifies.
Speaking to reporters during the third week of the conflict, Netanyahu said military operations from the air have caused significant damage to Iranian military and nuclear capabilities but warned that lasting results could require action on the ground. He did not provide details about what such an operation would involve or whether Israeli troops would enter Iran.
Netanyahu said revolutions and regime changes cannot be achieved only through aerial attacks, adding that additional steps may be necessary to fully dismantle Iran’s military power. His remarks come as Israel continues strikes on Iranian targets while the United States increases its military presence in the region amid fears of wider escalation.
The comments have raised concerns internationally about the possibility of a broader war. Military analysts say any ground operation inside Iran would be far more complex than airstrikes and could lead to a prolonged conflict involving multiple countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States does not currently plan to send ground troops, even as Washington continues to support Israel and deploy additional forces to the Middle East for defensive purposes. Officials say the buildup is meant to deter retaliation rather than signal an invasion.
The war began in late February after Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, triggering missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, increased oil prices, and led several countries to warn their citizens to avoid travel to parts of the Middle East.
Netanyahu has said Israel will continue its campaign until Iran’s ability to produce missiles and nuclear weapons is eliminated. However, his suggestion that a ground phase may be needed signals that the conflict could last longer than initially expected.
World leaders have urged restraint, warning that a ground invasion of Iran could expand the war beyond the current battlefield and create a wider regional crisis.
Speaking to reporters during the third week of the conflict, Netanyahu said military operations from the air have caused significant damage to Iranian military and nuclear capabilities but warned that lasting results could require action on the ground. He did not provide details about what such an operation would involve or whether Israeli troops would enter Iran.
Netanyahu said revolutions and regime changes cannot be achieved only through aerial attacks, adding that additional steps may be necessary to fully dismantle Iran’s military power. His remarks come as Israel continues strikes on Iranian targets while the United States increases its military presence in the region amid fears of wider escalation.
The comments have raised concerns internationally about the possibility of a broader war. Military analysts say any ground operation inside Iran would be far more complex than airstrikes and could lead to a prolonged conflict involving multiple countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States does not currently plan to send ground troops, even as Washington continues to support Israel and deploy additional forces to the Middle East for defensive purposes. Officials say the buildup is meant to deter retaliation rather than signal an invasion.
The war began in late February after Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear facilities, triggering missile and drone attacks across the region. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, increased oil prices, and led several countries to warn their citizens to avoid travel to parts of the Middle East.
Netanyahu has said Israel will continue its campaign until Iran’s ability to produce missiles and nuclear weapons is eliminated. However, his suggestion that a ground phase may be needed signals that the conflict could last longer than initially expected.
World leaders have urged restraint, warning that a ground invasion of Iran could expand the war beyond the current battlefield and create a wider regional crisis.