In a crucial address on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has executed strikes against Iran's nuclear installations. In the early morning video message, he stressed that these actions were essential to counter what he described as an existential threat posed by a nuclear-armed Iran, and affirmed that military operations would persist "for as many days as it takes."
The Israeli assaults primarily targeted the “main enrichment facility in Natanz,” as well as ballistic missile systems and top nuclear scientists affiliated with the Iranian nuclear program. Netanyahu stated, “We struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear enrichment program,” asserting that eliminating these threats was imperative to ensure Israel's security.
The Israeli military's sights were set not only on nuclear capabilities but also on significant military infrastructures, including air defense systems, the residences and offices of top Iranian officials, and various weapons depots and research laboratories. The initial waves of attacks also concentrated on high-ranking Iranian military figures.
In response to these developments, civilians across Israel sought refuge, retreating into public shelters and fortified rooms, braced for potential Iranian retaliation. The Israeli defense ministry has pronounced a national emergency, alerting citizens to be prepared for missile strikes and drone attacks from Iran.
Netanyahu justified the aggressive military response as a necessary step in light of over 20 months of ongoing conflict involving Iranian-backed factions such as Hamas and Hezbollah. He asserted, "We have no alternative but to act swiftly," underlining the urgency to address threats that could impact future generations.
Invoking the Holocaust as a poignant reminder of the dangers of underestimating threats, he said, “If we don’t act now, there won’t be a next generation.” Emphasizing resilience, he stated, "Together, with God’s help, we will ensure Israel’s eternity," offering a vision of hope for the difficult days ahead.
