Netanyahu asserted that military operations coordinated with the United States were conducted with the knowledge of former US President Donald Trump regarding the threat Iran poses to both the US and the international community. He stated that there was a risk of Iran attacking American targets in the region and Israel first, which prompted the decision to act preemptively. Netanyahu added that Israel has been transformed into a regional power, a process that required courage, initiative, and the willingness to take risks, noting that this was a goal of the government since Hamas launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023.
He clarified that, as he promised two days after October 7, Israel aims to change the face of the Middle East. This change extends beyond the region to the country itself, noting that taking the initiative and executing surprise operations has drastically altered the balance of power against the enemy. Israel has warned of entering a second phase of the battle, threatening Iran with further surprise steps.
Netanyahu also discussed several objectives achieved by the Israeli army during the first day of the war, including the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the destruction of hundreds of ballistic missiles and launchers, and achieving near-total air dominance over Tehran. The Lebanese government warned that it is responsible for enforcing the ceasefire and disarming Hezbollah. Failure to do so would result in grave consequences for Lebanon, urging the group to control its own fate.
Netanyahu stated that an organized plan containing many surprises exists to stabilize the Iranian regime and enable its change, with many additional targets remaining. He concluded by stating that the country will continue to act with full force until all objectives are reached.
