After Facing Trump's Anger, Netanyahu's New Message To Israelis On Iran War
Dear citizens of Israel,
In the 12 days of Operation Rising Lion, we achieved a historic victory that will last for generations. We overcame two immediate existential threats: the threat of nuclear bombs and the threat of 20,000 ballistic missiles. If we had not acted now, the state of Israel would have been on the brink of destruction. But this did not happen because, at the critical moment, we rose up like lions—we roared, and our roar shook the nation and echoed throughout the world.
Our sources teach us that with strategies, you shall wage war. The surprising opening strike of Operation Rising Lion will be recorded in the annals of Israel's military history; it will be studied by all the armies of the world. In one decisive blow, we defeated Iran's senior command, including three chiefs and many other senior officials. At the same time, we neutralized Iran's leading nuclear scientists—those who possessed critical knowledge and had driven the nuclear program with the intent to bring destruction upon us.
We destroyed key facilities, including the central enrichment plant in Natanz, the uranium mine in Isfahan, and the heavy water plant in Arak. Our friend, President Trump, unambiguously stood by our side. Under his leadership, the U.S. military destroyed the enrichment plant deep underground in Fordow. We attacked dozens of facilities related to Iran's nuclear program, including laboratories and centrifuge production sites.
You may remember how seven years ago, in a carefully coordinated operation, the Mossad brought Iran's secret nuclear archive to Israel. We exposed Iran's nuclear program, aimed at Israel's destruction, to President Trump, to the entire world, and to you, the citizens of Israel. Today, during this operation, we completed the mission by destroying the entire archive, which contained Iran's knowledge of nuclear weapons.
For decades, I have promised you that Iran would not obtain nuclear weapons. In all of our brave operations, we have illuminated Iran's nuclear ambitions. If anyone in Iran attempts to pursue this project, we will respond with the same determination and strength to thwart such efforts. Let me make this clear: Iran will not have nuclear weapons.
With the same resolve, we dismantled Iran's missile production industry. We targeted and destroyed dozens of missile production facilities, striking the missiles just before they were launched towards Israel. For years, the Iranian regime has threatened Israel's existence with ballistic missiles. In relation to the regime, we launched heavy strikes, resulting in the loss of many more officials. We struck their headquarters, attacked Revolutionary Guard bases, and targeted symbols of their government.
Just a few hours ago, an hour before the ceasefire, we launched our hardest strike since the start of the war against the Ayatollah regime, resulting in hundreds of casualties among their police forces in the most intense attack our nation has faced in the past 50 years.
I extend my gratitude to you, the citizens of Israel, and to my friend President Trump, as well as to the United States for their critical role in defending Israel and preventing Iran's nuclear threat. The U.S. participation in this campaign, not only defensively but also offensively, is a historic event that has never happened before. It is the result of political efforts I led alongside Minister Dermer with President Trump and his team. I have never had a greater ally than President Trump, and I thank him for our shared work.
This brings significant messages for the national security of Israel, for the safety of each and every one of you and your grandchildren, and for the entire Middle East.
Citizens of Israel, on October 7th, we found ourselves in the midst of a storm, suffering the worst disaster in the history of our state. However, thanks to the joint efforts of the government, the security forces, and you, the people, we recovered and continued our fight. Over the last 20 months, we have fought on behalf of Iran, paying an unprecedented price.
Despite our remarkable achievements, we will not yield to the waves of euphoria. We will not grow arrogant. Quite the opposite—we have no intention of easing our efforts. We must complete the campaign against the Iranian army to liberate Hamas and ensure the safe return of all our captives, both those living and those still missing.
To the families of the missing, I assure you that we will not rest for a moment, even during this war, until we bring every captive home. You are our heroes, and your courage is what will enable us to break through the Iranian wall. Without the significant accomplishments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and against terrorism in Judea and Samaria…
