As Israel unleashes one of its biggest strikes on Iran, its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said that he expects “several waves of Iranian attacks.” In a video message, he confirmed that US was briefed before launching an attack on Iranian military and nuclear sites. However, he added that Israel leaves it to US President Donald Trump whether he wants to join Israeli defence forces in striking Iranian nuclear sites.‘Trump makes decisions independently’“The United States knew about the attack in advance – what they do now, I leave to the president,” Netanyahu said, adding, “Trump makes decisions independently.” “Right now, the goal is to first address Iran’s missile production capacity.”“I told President Trump – surprise is the key factor for success. It created a state of chaos in Iran,” Netanyahu said. “On October 7, it seemed as though we were facing annihilation – today, we are on the brink of a historic turning point. I also intend to speak directly to the Iranian people today, as I believe there are tremendous opportunities here.”Israel expecting waves of severe strikes from Iran“There will be a price, and we are preparing to minimise it in various ways,” Netanyahu said. “Do not be euphoric – we need humility and responsibility. At the moment, they are organizing; we must assume that there will be an attack against us, and it could come in waves of very severe strikes.”Netanyahu in his address disclosed that Operation Rising Lion was set to be implemented in April end; however, it gets postponed for various reasons. He accepted that he had tried attacking Iran in his previous terms but was unable.‘It did not work out’ “I set the implementation date for the end of April, but for various reasons it was postponed,” Netanyahu said. “The exact date was set on the recommendation of the IDF.“I was unable to attack Iran in my previous terms. I wanted to twice and was unable to muster the majority. Everyone at the top of our security system understood the need, even though there were doubts,” he added. “Everyone at the top of our security system understood the need, even though there were doubts, he said. Iran called it ‘declaration of war’ Condemning the waves of strikes from Israel, Iran called it a ‘declaration of war.’ However, Trump warned Tehran of “even more brutal” attacks if it does not make a deal on its nuclear programme.Israel’s air strikes resulted in the deaths of several top Iranian generals and scientists while targeting over 100 sites, including nuclear facilities.‘Gates of hell’ will open on IsraelMohammad Pakpour, the newly appointed commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, threatened to open “the gates of hell” in retaliation for Israel’s attacks. “In retribution for the blood of our fallen commanders, scientists and citizens, the gates of hell will soon be opened upon this child-killing regime,” Pakpour said.US shifts military resources in the Middle EastAs Israel expects possible retaliation from Tehran, two US officials confirmed that United States is shifting military resources, including ships, in the Middle East. US Navy has directed the destroyer USS Thomas Hunder to begin sailing from the western Mediterranean Sea to eastern Mediterranean. It is noteworthy that USS Thomas Hunder is capable of defending against ballistic missiles. It has also directed a second destroyer to begin moving forward.The US officials added that Trump will meet his National Security Council principals on Friday.
