The Israeli prime minister, Binyamin Netanyahu, has launched a furious tirade against a possible deal struck between the international community and Iran over its nuclear programme, warning that it was "the deal of the century" for the Islamic republic, and that Israel would not be bound by it.

At a meeting with John Kerry at Ben Gurion airport shortly before the US secretary of state took off for talks in Geneva, Netanyahu said: "I understand that the Iranians are walking around very satisfied in Geneva, as well they should be, because they got everything, and paid nothing, they wanted. They wanted relief from sanctions after years of a gruelling sanctions regime. They got that. They are paying nothing because they are not reducing in any way their nuclear enrichment capability.

"So Iran got the deal of the century and the international community got a bad deal. This is a very bad deal. Israel utterly rejects it and what I am saying is shared by many, many in the region whether or not they express it publicly."

In an indication that Israel has not ruled out a military attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, Netanyahu added: "Israel is not obliged by this agreement and Israel will do everything it needs to defend itself, to defend the security of its people."

Kerry, who had been expected to make a statement before boarding his plane, said nothing in response, perhaps in an effort to avoid a diplomatic confrontation.

Israel has been alarmed at the prospect of a diplomatic compromise on the Iranian nuclear issue, warning that the regime could not be trusted, that sanctions must be maintained and that the threat of military action should remain in force.

Under the deal being discussed in Geneva, Iran would limit uranium enrichment in return for an easing of international sanctions.

Relations between Israel and the US have been strained over how to tackle the Iranian nuclear programme. Kerry has met Netanyahu three times this week to discuss Iran and the lack of progress in US-sponsored peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

Kerry spoke out firmly against Israeli plans to expand settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, saying all settlements were "illegitimate" and further construction was unhelpful to the peace process.

In his airport statement, Netanyahu insisted Israel's security was paramount in the negotiations. "I will never compromise on Israel's security and our vital interests, not in the face of any international pressure. I think the pressure has to be put where it belongs, that is on the Palestinians who refuse to budge. But I think in any case, no amount of pressure will make me or the government of Israel compromise on the basic security and national interests of the state of Israel. The people of Israel know this and they support it, as they should," he said.