Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Sunday that Israel would not seek external approval to conduct military strikes in Gaza or Lebanon, despite ongoing efforts by high-ranking U.S. officials to solidify a ceasefire in the region. Speaking at a government ministers’ meeting, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s sovereignty, stating, ‘Israel is an independent state. We will defend ourselves by our own means and continue to determine our fate.’ He further asserted, ‘We do not seek anyone’s approval for this. We control our security.’ This statement follows a week of diplomatic engagements by top U.S. officials aimed at reinforcing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu’s remarks underscore Israel’s firm stance on maintaining autonomy in its security decisions, even as international efforts persist to de-escalate tensions in the volatile region.