Netanyahu Hails 'Enormous Accomplishments' in War Against Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful address on Tuesday, praising what he termed "enormous accomplishments" in the ongoing war against Iran. Speaking ahead of the Passover holiday, Netanyahu asserted that the joint Israel-US campaign is systematically weakening Tehran while eliminating major threats to Israel's security.
New Regional Alliances and Iranian Collapse Predicted
In his Hebrew-language speech, Netanyahu declared that the Iranian regime would collapse "sooner or later" and revealed that Israel is forging new alliances with important countries in the region to counter Tehran's influence. While he did not name specific nations, the Prime Minister expressed hope that "soon, I will be able to tell you more about these vital alliances."
"On the eve of this Festival of Freedom, Israel is stronger than ever," Netanyahu proclaimed. "The entire world hears our lion's roar in our struggle against the evil regime in Iran, a struggle in which we have achieved immense, enormous accomplishments."
Costly Gains and Iranian Military Failures
The address came as Israel mourned four soldiers killed in ground operations in Lebanon, with Netanyahu acknowledging that the security gains have come with "painful costs." He detailed how Iran has wasted nearly a trillion dollars on military ambitions that have yielded minimal results.
"Now, I want to tell you. Over the years, all of this has cost Iran nearly a trillion dollars. And now it can be said. That trillion has gone down the drain," Netanyahu stated, referring to Iran's investments in nuclear programs, ballistic missiles, and proxy terrorist groups.
Biblical Parallels and Comprehensive Strikes
Drawing on Passover imagery, Netanyahu claimed Israel has delivered "ten plagues upon the axis of evil" including:
- Hamas in Gaza
- Hezbollah in Lebanon
- The Assad regime in Syria
- Groups in Judea and Samaria
- The Houthis in Yemen
- Multiple targets inside Iran
He specifically cited attacks on Iran's nuclear program, missile capabilities, regime infrastructure, and senior leadership, referring to the latter as "the Plague of the Firstborn."
Shifting Global Perceptions and US Partnership
Netanyahu noted that global attitudes toward Iran are changing, with world leaders now privately acknowledging the threat they previously underestimated. "There are those who tell me in private conversations. 'Prime minister, we understand. We are afraid to say it, but we understand'," he revealed.
Reaffirming the crucial partnership with Washington, Netanyahu said the joint effort has delivered "crushing blows" to Iran, leaving the regime "shaken" and suggesting it is "destined to fall." He highlighted that Israeli operations "Rising Lion" last year and the ongoing "Roaring Lion" have significantly degraded Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities.
Political Reactions and Strategic Implications
The speech has been interpreted by some analysts as laying groundwork for a potential US decision to end the war without formal agreements, particularly as President Donald Trump has recently suggested the conflict may soon conclude.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's address as "arrogant," accusing him of achieving only one thing: "dismantling us from within." Lapid linked his criticism to the government's recent budget decisions and the passage of a controversial death penalty bill.
Netanyahu concluded by asserting that while Iran is now "weaker than ever," Israel is "stronger than ever," though he emphasized that the war is not yet over and vigilance remains essential.
