by JNS Staff
The prime minister emphasized Israel's two main objectives: eliminating the Iranian threat and dismantling Hamas, while ensuring the return of all hostages.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a
visit to the Tel Nof Airbase in central Israel, June 16, 2025. Photo by
Avi Ohayon/GPO |
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night praised the military successes of “Operation Rising Lion” against Iran, asserting that the entire region was being changed for the better.
“Two days after the war began, I said: we will change the face of the Middle East. That is exactly what we are doing. Even if difficult days lie ahead, with God’s help, we will see days of greatness, unity, power—and peace,” said Netanyahu.
The prime minister emphasized Israel’s two main objectives: eliminating the Iranian threat to secure the future of the nation’s children and future generations, and dismantling Hamas, while ensuring the return of all hostages, both living and deceased.
While Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is nearing the achievement of these goals, he refrained from disclosing specific details about future plans. However, he clarified that a “non-nuclear Iran” would involve dismantling all core infrastructure related to weaponization, including enrichment facilities, weapon systems and delivery mechanisms like ballistic missiles.
Netanyahu expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump, noting the unprecedented heights their cooperation had reached. He also commended the U.S. military for inflicting significant damage on Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility, and said that Israel would take all necessary steps to neutralize the threat.
The prime minister stated that approximately half of Iran’s missile launchers have been destroyed, with progress continuing steadily. He also pointed out that although over 1,000 drones and rockets have been launched at Israel, almost none have caused significant damage. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not be dragged into a “war of attrition” and would persist until all objectives are met.
Regarding Gaza, Netanyahu reported that the Israel Defense Forces had recently returned eight deceased hostages, and that some 20 captives were still alive, possibly more. He stressed that Iran had created the “axis of evil,” and that as it collapsed, so too would Hamas.
Netanyahu highlighted that Iran had supported Lebanon and Syria, both of which are now faltering, adding that as this reality unfolds, Israel is entering a decisive phase. Success in Iran, he said, is crucial to achieving Israel’s objectives in Gaza.
The prime minister also linked the operation in Iran to the potential for greater regional cooperation through the expansion of the Abraham Accords, asserting that “peace comes from strength.”
Finally, Netanyahu revealed that he had placed a note in the Western Wall that read: “With the strength of a lion, the nation of Israel lives.”
“We have had immense heroism from our fighters and citizens, great support from our allies—but we also had divine assistance,” Netanyahu said. “For that, I give thanks on behalf of generations of Jews who waited to see a sovereign state that would defend our future.”
JNS Staff
Source: https://www.jns.org/netanyahu-we-are-changing-the-face-of-the-middle-east/
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