Netanyahu says Iran operation will be “much more powerful” than previous war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a recorded message released Saturday that the latest attacks could allow Iranians to «take their fate into their own hands.» He added that Israel intends the current operation to be «much more powerful» than the 12-day conflict it launched against Iran in June.

He spoke in Hebrew. Here’s an English-language transcript of Netanyahu’s address:

My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel. A short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on a joint campaign, Operation Lion’s Roar. The aim of the operation is to put an end to the threat from the Ayatollah regime in Iran. At this time, the IDF is striking targets of the oppressive regime, facilities of the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, and together with the United States military, ballistic missile sites that threaten both Israel and U.S. forces. This operation will continue as long as necessary. For 47 years, the evil regime in Iran has called for death to Israel, death to America.

It trampled on the citizens of its country, it instilled fear in the peoples of the region, it spread a vast network of terror across the entire world, it invested enormous resources to develop atomic bombs and tens of thousands of missiles intended, as it defined it, to erase Israel from the map of the world. It also armed terrorist proxies around us in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Judea and Samaria, and it shed our blood.

But if anyone needed further proof of the murderous nature of the Ayatollah regime, they received it last month. We all saw how this tyrannical regime in Tehran carried out an unprecedented mass slaughter of its own citizens in Iran. It cold-bloodedly murdered thousands of children, adults and the elderly. Tens of thousands were arrested, tortured and humiliated simply because they sought lives of freedom and dignity.

In the Revival War and Operation Rising Lion, our heroic soldiers struck a decisive blow against the Ayatollah regime and its proxies. But the wounded predator has not ceased its attempts to recover for the same purpose — to destroy us.

In recent months, the tyrants in Iran have been plotting to rebuild their nuclear and missile capabilities and to bury them underground, where we cannot reach them. If we do not stop them now, they will become invulnerable. Their representatives in negotiations are trying to buy time through deceitful talks with our American friends. But the tyrants in Iran have made a grave mistake. The United States is not buying their lies, and we will not sit idly by while the shadow of destruction looms over us.

Therefore, we have launched Operation Lion’s Roar, an operation far more powerful than Operation Rising Lion. We are doing this in full cooperation with our friends in the United States under the leadership of President Trump. Together with the United States, we will strike hard at the terror regime and create conditions that will allow the brave Iranian people to cast off the yoke of this murderous regime.

During Operation Rising Lion, I was often asked whether overthrowing the regime was a goal. I replied that it was not the goal, but it could be the outcome. And indeed, millions of Iranians took to the streets. Now they are given the opportunity to take control of their own destiny.

Citizens of Israel, as in Operation Rising Lion, we need patience and resilience. There will be costs, perhaps even heavy costs. But I know the strength within our people. Since the Revival War began, we have stood together, and today we will continue to stand together in bravery and unity. I ask all of you to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command — these instructions save lives.

Challenging days lie ahead. Every military action involves risk. But the risk of not acting is immeasurably greater. If we do not act, we will face a nuclear Iran with tens of thousands of ballistic missiles. As a people who desire life, we have no choice but to engage in this campaign — this time with the combined power of Israel and the United States.

From here, I wish to address the citizens of Iran. You are not our enemies, and we are not your enemies. We share a common enemy: the murderous regime of the Ayatollahs. They have degraded your country and slaughtered your people.

In coordination with the President of the United States, I say this: anyone who lays down their weapon, including among regime forces, will ensure their safety and secure their future. The Iranian people — Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Balochs and others — this is your opportunity to establish a new and free Iran. Take your destiny into your own hands. Our forces are there, the pilots of the free world are coming to your aid. Help has arrived. I believe the day is not far when Israel and a free Iran will join hands for security, peace and prosperity.

Citizens of Israel, I express my deepest gratitude to President Donald Trump, the American people and the American military. President Trump is one of Israel’s greatest friends and a determined leader of the free world. Together, we bring light to all who aspire to human freedom.

On behalf of Israel’s citizens, I salute the commanders and soldiers of the IDF, the Air Force, the intelligence services, and all security and rescue forces. An entire nation stands behind you and prays for your success.

My brothers and sisters, in two days we will celebrate Purim. Thousands of years ago, an enemy sought to destroy our people, but courage saved us. Even today, the lot has been cast, and the end of the evil regime will come. The lion has roared — do not fear, Israel. We will stand united and, with God’s help, ensure the eternity of Israel.

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