The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a preemptive, combined offensive to strike Iran’s nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the launch of ‘Operation Rising Lion’ on Friday, a military operation targeting the Iranian threat. Netanyahu declared that the operation would persist until the threat is eliminated.
In a video statement, Netanyahu said, “Moments ago, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival. This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.”
The IDF confirmed that Israeli Air Force (IAF) jets executed the first stage of the operation, striking various military and nuclear sites in Iran. Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared a state of emergency across the country in response to Israel’s actions.
Katz noted that, “Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future.”
The IDF emphasized the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear program, stating: “Today, Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. Weapons of mass destruction in the hands of the Iranian regime threaten the State of Israel and the wider world.”
The Israeli government stressed its responsibility to defend its citizens and said that it will take necessary actions. The statement affirmed, “The State of Israel remains committed to fulfilling its obligation to protect its people, just as it has done in the past.”
