Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his first press conference since the start of the war with Iran to claim major battlefield successes while delivering a pointed message to both Iran’s leadership and its people.
Speaking late Thursday, Netanyahu said Israeli strikes during the conflict had killed several top Iranian nuclear scientists and dealt serious blows to Tehran’s military and security forces.
“We are crushing the terror regime in Iran,” Netanyahu said. “We are striking and defeating its proxies — Hezbollah in Lebanon.”
The Israeli leader said the nearly two weeks of joint US-Israeli bombardment had significantly weakened Iran’s power structure. According to him, the attacks have targeted the Revolutionary Guards Corps and the Basij paramilitary force that helps enforce the regime’s authority.
ATTACK ON IRAN’S LEADERSHIP
Standing between two Israeli flags and answering questions through a video link, Netanyahu also targeted Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
He described him as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards” who cannot safely appear in public following the recent strikes.
Netanyahu hinted that Israel could still target senior figures in Iran’s leadership, though he declined to provide details about future plans.
“I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization,” he said. “I don’t intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning.”
As the Prime Minister spoke, Israel’s military said it detected a fresh barrage of missiles launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, underscoring that the conflict remains active.
MESSAGE TO THE IRANIAN PEOPLE
Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian public directly, suggesting the military campaign could create conditions for political change inside Iran.
He said Israel’s actions are meant to create “the space needed to go out to the streets.” “The moment when you will be able to embark on a new path of freedom is approaching,” he said. “That moment is drawing closer.”
“We stand with you. We are helping you,” Netanyahu added. “But at the end of the day, it depends on you. It is in your hands.”
CLOSE COORDINATION WITH WASHINGTON
Netanyahu also highlighted Israel’s coordination with the United States during the campaign. He said he speaks daily with US President Donald Trump as the conflict unfolds.
“Through an unprecedented joining of forces between Israel and the United States, we have achieved tremendous accomplishments,” Netanyahu said.
The operation, he added, aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles capable of threatening Israel, the United States and other countries.
“If we had not acted immediately,” Netanyahu said, “within a few months Iran’s industries of death would have become immune to any strike.”
