Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a cabinet meeting at the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem on June 5, 2024. Photo: Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool via REUTERS

JNS.org – In his first public remarks since Israel’s attack on Iran overnight Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday stated that the operation was successful, while thanking Washington for backing Jerusalem.

“This is an existential war, a war on seven fronts, against the ‘Axis of Evil’ led by Iran. And in war, as in war—we exact a heavy toll on those who seek our lives,” the premier said.

“Three weeks ago, after we eliminated Iran’s top emissary, the arch-terrorist Hassan Nasrallah, Iran attacked Israel with hundreds of ballistic missiles. That attack failed. We promised then that it would be met with firmness—and in the early hours of Saturday morning, we fulfilled that promise,” said Netanyahu. “The air force struck across Iran, severely damaging its defense capabilities and its capacity to produce missiles aimed at us.”

Netanyahu was speaking at a memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl military cemetery as Israel observed a national day of mourning for the victims of the Hamas-led massacre of Oct. 7, 2023.

“All of this followed months of systematic action, according to a structured plan, to cut off Iran’s tentacles—Hezbollah and Hamas. Two days ago, we struck at the head of the octopus—the Iranian regime,” he continued.

“To the people of Iran, I say: our fight is not against you but against the tyrannical regime that oppresses you and threatens the entire region. This regime must understand a simple principle: Those who harm us will be harmed in return. This has been our guiding principle until now, and it will continue to guide us going forward.

“The attack on Iran was precise and powerful, achieving all its objectives. I want to extend my gratitude to all our commanders and soldiers in the IDF and security forces who took part in the operation. To the chief of staff, the air force commander, the air force pilots, the mechanics and all ground crews, the head of Military Intelligence and the intelligence community, the head of the Mossad, and the men and women of Mossad. I also want to thank the United States for its close coordination and assistance.

“Honored guests, citizens of Israel, great challenges still lie ahead. But standing together—we will overcome them. With our strength, we will defeat our enemies and bring a future of peace, prosperity, and growth to our state.”