Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the country’s sweeping military strikes on Iran, saying the operation was a necessary preemptive measure to dismantle Tehran’s nuclear threat and neutralize its military leadership.
In a televised address following the offensive, Netanyahu declared that “Operation Rising Lion” was launched in response to “clear and imminent threats” posed by Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
“We will not sit idly by while Iran prepares to destroy us,” Netanyahu said. “We will not wait to be attacked before defending our people. The time to act is now.”
The Israeli leader insisted the strikes were aimed specifically at military and nuclear infrastructure, including Iran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, and senior figures orchestrating Iran’s military strategy.
“We struck at the core of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and removed key figures responsible for planning attacks on Israel,” he said. “These were precision strikes, carried out to prevent a greater catastrophe.”
He also claimed intelligence had revealed that Iran was accelerating its weapons program and plotting coordinated attacks against Israeli and allied interests across the region.
Addressing international criticism, Netanyahu said Israel had acted within its right to self-defense and dismissed accusations of regional destabilization.
“Israel seeks no war with the Iranian people. But we will not apologize for protecting our nation from annihilation,” he stated. “We expect responsible nations to understand that doing nothing in the face of a threat is not peace—it is surrender.”
Netanyahu acknowledged the risk of retaliation but vowed that Israel was prepared for any escalation. He also warned neighboring countries against allowing their territory to be used for hostile action against Israel.
“To our neighbors: this is not your fight—unless you make it so. Stay out of it, and you have nothing to fear.”
As Operation Rising Lion continues, Netanyahu urged Israelis to remain vigilant but assured the public that the military was fully mobilized to defend the nation.
The prime minister concluded his speech with a message of resilience and unity, stating:
“This is a fight for our future. Israel will stand, Israel will prevail, and Israel will never bow to those who seek its destruction.”
