Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation Saturday night, saying the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was a victory for Israel and a warning to Iran.
Netanyahu said in Hebrew that Nasrallah was not just a “terrorist” but a “terrorist” who was responsible for the deaths of not only Israelis but also many Americans, Frenchmen and others.
He said Friday night's successful airstrike was a warning to Iran, a “regime of ayatollahs,” repeating a warning he gave in a speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
“No matter who hits us, we hit them. … And today we see how true that is.”
Netanyahu added that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar would be more open to hostage deals because he “knows that Nasrallah will not come to save him.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the message of Friday's attack was “Israel stands with you” to people in the Middle East and around the world who are terrorized by Iran and Hezbollah.
He noted that the attack was a message broadly to Israel's allies and did not mention the United States. The Biden administration had been pushing for a ceasefire before the attack, and reiterated that goal while welcoming Nasrallah's removal.
Prime Minister Netanyahu reflected on the year since the October 7 terrorist attack, when Israel's enemies hoped the country was “on the road to destruction.”
“They understand how their hopes have been dashed,” he declared.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concluded: “We are determined to continue our attacks on the enemy and bring back the population.” [to their homes]And to free all the hostages, something we will never forget for a moment. ”
