Netanyahu Declares Historic Victory After Operation Lion Lion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Tuesday evening, proclaiming Operation Lion Lion—a military conflict involving Iran—as a “historic victory.”

This was his first public address following what President Donald Trump termed the “12-day war,” delivered just hours after a ceasefire was announced. In his remarks, Netanyahu expressed gratitude towards Trump and the United States, while highlighting the bravery of the Israeli military and its citizens.

“Dear citizens of Israel,” he began. “In the 12 days of Operation Ryinglion, we achieved a historic victory.”

He detailed how two existential threats were neutralized: the potential for nuclear annihilation and the imminent danger posed by 20,000 ballistic missiles. He insisted that if action hadn’t been taken, the existence of the Israeli state would have been at risk.

“But this did not happen, because at the crucial moment we stood up and roared like lions, shaking Tehran and reverberating around the world,” he stated.

Netanyahu quoted the Bible, saying, “Through strategy, you must go to war.” He referred to the initial strike as a groundbreaking event for Israel, noting that it had been studied by military scholars globally. The operation resulted in the elimination of a high-ranking Iranian commander along with several senior officials and nuclear scientists who had posed a significant threat. He also claimed destruction of key Iranian nuclear facilities, including those in Natanz and Isfahan.

He remarked, “Our friend, President Trump, stood with us in an unprecedented way.” Under Trump’s orders, U.S. forces were involved in demolishing a key underground facility in Iran.

Netanyahu recalled the Mossad operation from seven years ago that unveiled the depths of Iran’s secret nuclear ambitions. “We have completed our mission,” he asserted, claiming they dismantled a vast archive centered on nuclear bomb production.

For decades, he has promised that Iran would not acquire nuclear weapons, and he reinforced this notion by stating Israel would respond with strength to any attempts to revive their nuclear program. “If someone in Iran tries to rebuild this project, we will act decisively,” he warned.

He further claimed that operational efforts destroyed numerous ballistic missile manufacturing plants and significantly weakened Iran’s missile capabilities, quelling the imminent threat they posed.

“We dealt heavy blows to the Iranian regime,” Netanyahu continued, outlining attacks on command centers and bases associated with the regime. In the final moments before the ceasefire, he reported that they executed some of the most significant strikes Tehran had experienced in decades.

He expressed gratitude towards the citizens of Israel, Trump, and the United States for their support in dismantling the Iranian nuclear threat, marking their involvement as a historic moment for Israeli security.

Reflecting on the devastation suffered on October 7th, he acknowledged the difficult past but emphasized recovery and retaliation. “About 20 months later, we controlled the Iranian skies and exacted a price,” he stated, while stressing that confidence should not lead to complacency.

He made a commitment to continue efforts against the Iranian axis and the elimination of groups like Hamas, and he reaffirmed the importance of securing the return of hostages.

To families affected by the conflict, he reassured them that no effort would be spared to bring back their loved ones, emphasizing the sacred nature of this mission.

He also addressed bereaved families, saying their loss was not in vain as the actions taken during the conflict brought significant results. “With the destruction of Iran’s axis of evil, we open a path for peace and prosperity,” he added.

Netanyahu expressed deep appreciation for various military and intelligence leaders, as well as citizens who demonstrated unity and resilience. He concluded by stating, “The country rose like a lion. Am Israel Chai,” asserting that with divine help, the continuity of Israel is assured.

Since the conflict began, Israel has chosen to overlook Iran’s violations of the ceasefire while addressing the threats highlighted by Trump’s intervention.