Netanyahu Declares Major Gains Against Iran and Hezbollah, Highlights Strong Alliance With US.
Jerusalem:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday delivered a strongly worded address outlining Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran and its regional allies, declaring that Israel was reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East through coordinated operations and close cooperation with the United States.
Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu said Israel was currently in “historic days” and claimed that Israeli operations had significantly weakened Iran and its allied groups, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon. He referred to the ongoing military effort as Operation Roaring Lion, describing it as a continuation of earlier campaigns aimed at countering Iranian influence and security threats in the region.
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s actions—conducted in partnership with the United States—have resulted in “enormous accomplishments” that are changing the strategic landscape of the Middle East. He said these developments were strengthening Israel’s position as a regional power and, in certain sectors, a global power capable of deterring threats to its existence.
Netanyahu reiterated long-standing Israeli concerns about Iran’s ambitions, arguing that the leadership in Iran has for decades sought to undermine Israel’s security. He accused the Iranian government of building what he described as an “axis” of allied forces, including Hamas and the Houthis, along with support for the former Syrian government under Bashar al‑Assad.
He said the Iranian strategy consisted of three elements: the development of regional proxy forces, the construction of a large arsenal of ballistic missiles, and efforts to develop nuclear weapons.
Netanyahu claimed that Israel had carried out a series of overt and covert operations over the years to slow Iran’s nuclear and missile programs while strengthening its own military and technological capabilities. He said these efforts culminated in a broader military campaign he described as the “War of Redemption,” which includes operations such as Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion.
The Israeli prime minister asserted that Israeli strikes had targeted Iranian missile production facilities, nuclear-related infrastructure and key figures associated with Iran’s weapons programs. He also claimed that Israeli forces had inflicted significant damage on the capabilities of groups aligned with Tehran.
During the address, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s close partnership with the United States and praised his relationship with former US President Donald Trump, describing it as one of the strongest ever between an American president and an Israeli prime minister. He said the two leaders remained in frequent communication regarding security developments and strategic decisions.
Netanyahu also suggested that the ongoing pressure on Iran could create conditions for political change within the country. Addressing the Iranian public directly, he said the moment for a new path toward freedom could be approaching, while stressing that such change ultimately depends on the Iranian people themselves.
At the same time, he acknowledged the difficulties faced by Israeli civilians due to the ongoing conflict. Netanyahu urged citizens to continue following safety instructions issued by the Israel Defense Forces and the country’s Home Front Command, particularly residents in northern areas affected by cross-border tensions.
He praised the resilience of the Israeli population, noting that despite the security challenges, many Israelis abroad were choosing to return to the country rather than leave during the crisis.
Netanyahu concluded by saying that Israel was building new regional alliances and strengthening existing partnerships as part of a broader strategy to secure the country’s future and stability in the Middle East. He described the current period as one that could reshape the region’s geopolitical landscape for generations to come.
