Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Friday that Israel would press ahead with its military campaign against Iran, issuing a stern warning to Tehran following a dramatic escalation in hostilities. “More is on the way,” Netanyahu said in a video address directed at the Iranian people. “In the past 24 hours, we have taken out top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most significant enrichment facility and a large portion of its ballistic missile arsenal,” he declared. “The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.” His remarks came after Iran launched a large-scale missile barrage at Israel late Friday, setting off air raid sirens across the country and raising fears of a broader regional conflict. The unprecedented exchange marks a dangerous new phase in the long-simmering tensions between the two nations. Earlier Friday, Israel had carried out strikes on more than 200 military and nuclear sites across Iran. The offensive, according to Israeli officials, was in direct response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack, which Iran claimed was retaliation for previous Israeli actions.
Netanyahu calls on Iranians to rise against regime
In a direct message to Iran’s citizens, Netanyahu appealed for unity against their leadership. “The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime,” he said. He added, “To the proud people of Iran, we are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion. The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy my country, the State of Israel. The objective of Israel’s military operation is to remove the nuclear threat and ballistic missile threat to Israel.”
Israeli defence minister: ‘Iran crossed red lines’
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also responded strongly to Iran’s missile attack, which targeted civilian areas. “Iran has crossed red lines by daring to fire missiles at civilian population centres in Israel,” Katz said. “We will continue to defend the citizens of Israel and ensure that the Ayatollah regime pays a very heavy price for its heinous actions.” The tit-for-tat escalation has intensified fears of broader conflict in the region, with international pressure mounting for restraint as both nations double down on their military strategies.
