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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel is intensifying military operations against Iran and its regional allies, saying the country is “crushing the terrorist regime in Iran” and striking the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Netanyahu said the operations, including what he described as Operation Roaring Lion, were aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities and preventing it from developing nuclear weapons.
According to him, the campaign is being carried out in close coordination with the United States and is already shifting the balance of power in the Middle East. He described the partnership between Israel and the U.S. as “unprecedented,” saying it had produced major military and strategic achievements.
Netanyahu accused Iran of building a regional network of armed groups — including Hamas and the Houthi movement — while also expanding its ballistic missile arsenal and pursuing nuclear weapons aimed at destroying Israel.
He said Israel had carried out a series of overt and covert operations over the years to weaken Iran’s capabilities, adding that recent strikes targeted missile production facilities, nuclear infrastructure and individuals linked to Iran’s weapons development programme.
The Israeli leader also said Israel had delivered “severe damage” to what he called Iran’s “axis of evil” and warned that Hezbollah would continue to face heavy military pressure for attacks against Israel.
Netanyahu further stated that Israel had issued warnings to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, against rebuilding its missile and nuclear programmes, claiming Tehran attempted to hide such facilities deep underground.
He said the ongoing campaign was intended to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of threatening Israel, the United States and other countries.
The prime minister also spoke about Israel’s close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, describing their cooperation as stronger than any previous alliance between an American president and an Israeli prime minister.
Netanyahu said Israel was also working to build new alliances with countries in the Middle East, adding that the current military operations were aimed at ensuring long-term security for Israeli citizens.
He urged Israelis to continue observing civil defence instructions, particularly in northern communities facing security threats, while expressing confidence that the country would emerge stronger from the conflict.
