Netanyahu Claims Iran No Longer an Existential Threat
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Iran has ceased to be an existential threat to Israel. This declaration followed a month of collaborative operations between the U.S. and Israel that significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities. President Donald Trump echoed a similar sentiment, stating that the war was nearing its conclusion and would end soon.
In a recorded message released before Passover, starting Wednesday night, Netanyahu highlighted the “immeasurable successes” of the operations against Iran and its affiliates, describing them as significant both on the battlefield and strategically. “On the eve of this celebration of freedom, Israel is stronger than ever,” he stated. “Iran can no longer threaten our existence,” he emphasized.
He noted a fundamental shift in the regional balance of power and referred to a “strategic reversal,” asserting that while Iran had attempted to stifle Israel, it is now Israel that has inflicted pressure on Iran. The Prime Minister also pointed out that the Iranian regime is currently weaker than ever, while Israel’s strength has grown.
The operations, he explained, specifically targeted various aspects of Iran’s capabilities, including its nuclear program and missile production, as well as its internal security and leadership. Netanyahu emphasized that Iran has invested nearly $1 trillion in its military and nuclear ambitions, claiming that this investment has been wasted.
He presented the operation in a Passover context, suggesting that Israel and its allies have delivered “ten plagues” to the “axis of evil,” which includes groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as well as strikes directly against Iran’s infrastructure, including its nuclear capabilities.
Netanyahu noted the elimination of two crucial threats: the potential for Iran’s nuclear arms race and efforts to build a formidable ballistic missile arsenal. While acknowledging that Iran may have hidden its capabilities deep underground, he insisted that swift action was necessary to counter this as well.
Referring to a previous operation, Rising Lion, Netanyahu articulated that while it diminished the immediate danger of a nuclear-capable Iran, the current initiative has effectively crippled Iran’s industrial capacity to produce weapons.
Discussing the broader ramifications of the conflict, he mentioned that the operation has curtailed Iran’s ability to produce both nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, particularly those that could be concealed. He asserted that the Iranian-backed groups no longer pose an existential threat and cannot execute large-scale missile attacks as previously anticipated.
Moreover, Netanyahu suggested that the campaign has unsettled the Iranian regime itself, stating, “We have shaken up the system,” and asserting that its collapse is inevitable.
In cooperation with the United States, Netanyahu spoke of forging unprecedented military collaboration between U.S. forces and the Israel Defense Forces. Meanwhile, President Trump conveyed a similar sense of assurance in his remarks, repeatedly suggesting that the primary objectives of the operations have been achieved and that the war could wrap up shortly.
Trump commented that Operation Epic Fury is ahead of schedule and stated there is little time left before a victory declaration can be made. He suggested that, from his perspective, the war could conclude in a matter of weeks, or even sooner. Notably, Trump indicated that an Iranian agreement is not necessary to end the conflict, stating, “If they are… pushed into the stone age and unable to develop nuclear weapons, then we will leave, whether there is a deal or not.”
Reflecting on the objective of the operations, Trump reiterated, “I had one goal: They don’t have nuclear weapons. That goal has been achieved,” claiming that Iran no longer poses a significant threat due to the depth at which its enriched uranium is stored.
Following a series of unsuccessful diplomatic negotiations where Iran refused to dismantle its enrichment program, Trump’s envoy remarked on the failure that necessitated military action. Together, the statements from Netanyahu and Trump indicate a shared belief that they have largely accomplished the campaign’s primary goals, particularly in mitigating the threat posed by Iran.
Still, Netanyahu made it clear that the fight isn’t over yet, committing to dismantling the terrorist regime and achieving their objectives. Trump is scheduled to address the nation on Wednesday night to provide an update on the ongoing situation, as both leaders hint at the final phases of the operation unfolding.
