Netanyahu Declares Historic Victory in Operation Against Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the conclusion of the Lion’s Rising Operation against Iran as a pivotal moment for Israel’s national security, labeling it a “historic victory.” He cautions, however, that Iran’s attempts at resurgence will be met with “the same resolve and strength.”

In a national address on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated, “We achieved a historic victory over the 12 days of Operation Raising Lion. This victory has existed for generations. We have removed two immediate existential threats: the danger of nuclear destruction and the threat posed by 20,000 ballistic missiles.”

He added, “Had we not acted now, Israel would have soon faced the risk of destruction.” Netanyahu emphasized that their decisive actions resonated strongly, “We stood up like a lion, and our roar shook Tehran, echoing around the world.”

The operation’s initial strike, referred to as a “single blow,” targeted Iran’s senior military leadership, taking out top officials, including three chiefs of staff. He remarked, “The Lion Rising Opening Blow is recorded in the chronicles of Israeli warfare and is studied by militaries worldwide.”

Netanyahu credited unprecedented US involvement, specifically mentioning President Donald Trump for facilitating vital military actions. “At Trump’s direction, the US military targeted the Fordau facility. We struck numerous other sites, including laboratories and manufacturing plants, effectively crippling Iran’s capacity to produce nuclear weapons,” he explained.

“We sent Iran’s nuclear program down the drain,” Netanyahu asserted, stressing that their careful operations have dismantled Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “If anyone dares to revive it, we will respond with the same determination,” he warned.

He reiterated, “I will say it again—Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.” The Prime Minister highlighted that the unprecedented nature of US support is a significant historical development, saying, “The US is not just a defensive partner; this collaboration has never occurred before. I’m grateful for it because Israel hasn’t had friends like Trump in the White House.”

Netanyahu further detailed the scope of Israeli strikes, which went beyond nuclear sites, stating, “We have mitigated Iran’s attempts to threaten Israel with tens of thousands of ballistic missiles. We targeted command centers and revolutionary guard bases.” He described what he called the final blow to the Iranian regime just hours before a ceasefire, labeling it “the most severe blow in history,” with Israeli forces eliminating hundreds of operatives in what he termed the most intense attacks Tehran has faced in half a century.

He concluded with remarks on the ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. “We maintain a stance that is neither self-righteous nor complacent. We are completely opposed to it. Defeating Hamas and ensuring the release of all hostages is imperative.”