Netanyahu Signals Escalation After Striking Iranian Military and Nuclear Sites
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a major military operation targeting Iran's missile production and nuclear facilities, warning that Israel expects several waves of retaliatory attacks from Tehran. In a decisive video address, Netanyahu confirmed that the United States was informed prior to the strikes but left it to President Trump to decide whether to join Israel in further actions.
Operation Rising Lion Delayed But Now Active
Named Operation Rising Lion, the offensive was initially planned for late April but faced postponements. Netanyahu admitted past efforts to launch similar strikes were unsuccessful due to lack of adequate support. This time, he emphasized that surprise played a crucial role in the mission’s execution, creating chaos within Iran's defenses.
“On October 7, we seemed close to annihilation. Today, we stand at a historic crossroads,” Netanyahu said. He also indicated his intentions to address the Iranian people directly, hinting at untapped opportunities despite the ongoing conflict.
Heightened Alert: Israel Prepares for Retaliation
Despite the initial success of the strikes, Netanyahu urged caution. “There will be a price, and we are preparing to minimize it through various means,” he noted, stressing the need for humility and responsibility in the face of looming threats.
Security forces anticipate severe Iranian counterattacks, potentially arriving in multiple waves. Netanyahu warned citizens and military personnel alike to expect and prepare for intense strikes against Israel.
Iran Condemns Strikes as a ‘Declaration of War’
Iran’s leadership condemned the Israeli operations, labeling them a declaration of war. The attacks reportedly resulted in the deaths of several prominent Iranian generals and scientists, alongside damage to over 100 sites, including key nuclear infrastructure.
Mohammad Pakpour, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, vowed fierce retaliation, declaring that the "gates of hell" would be unleashed on Israel as retribution for the loss of Iranian personnel and citizens.
US Bolsters Military Presence Amid Rising Tensions
With the potential for Iranian counterstrikes escalating, the United States has shifted military assets to the Middle East. The USS Thomas Hudner, a destroyer equipped with ballistic missile defense capabilities, has been redeployed from the western Mediterranean to the eastern Mediterranean. A second destroyer is also en route to the region.
US officials confirmed that President Trump plans to consult with his National Security Council soon to evaluate the regional situation and determine the next steps.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Stability in the Region
The developments mark a critical intensification in the long-standing conflict between Israel and Iran. As both sides brace for further confrontations, the international community watches closely, aware that the ripple effects of these clashes could impact global security and diplomacy.
