Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new military operation called “Rising Lion” aimed at Iranian nuclear facilities. In a video statement, he emphasized that Israel considers these strikes an act of self-defense against what he described as a potential nuclear threat from Iran. Netanyahu stated, “The Jewish State refuses to be a victim of the nuclear Holocaust perpetrated by the Iranian regime.”
The Israeli Air Force launched its attacks late Thursday night, targeting key sites involved in Iran’s nuclear enrichment and weaponization efforts, as well as facilities linked to its ballistic missile program. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson BG Effie Defrin explained that intelligence indicated Iran is closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon. He noted, “We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat.”
In response to the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared a “special situation” across the country for the next 48 hours. This measure comes amid concerns about a possible retaliatory attack from Iran.
Earlier on Thursday, former President Donald Trump commented on the situation, suggesting that an Israeli strike was a possibility but expressing a preference for diplomatic solutions to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. He stated, “Whether it’s going in or not going in, they can’t have a nuclear weapon. I’d prefer the more friendly path.”
The situation remains tense as Israel braces for potential fallout from its military actions.