Israel’s political leadership expressed sweeping support on Saturday for the joint Israel-US operation against Iran, vowing that the country was prepared for all scenarios across its ministries and in the Knesset.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the ongoing joint Israeli-American operation against Iran is intended to remove the Islamic Republic’s leadership from power and prevent it from becoming nuclear-armed.
Netanyahu said the operation would “create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands,” calling on Iran’s citizens and ethnic communities to “remove the yoke of tyranny” and pursue “a free and peace-loving Iran.”
In his remarks, Netanyahu accused Iran’s leadership of sponsoring terrorism and threatening Israel and the United States, and warned that Tehran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons “that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.”
He thanked US President Donald Trump for what he called a “historic” decision and “historic friendship,” framing the operation as a coordinated effort against what Israel and the US describe as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.
Ben-Gvir vows security bodies are prepared
Opposition and coalition politicians across the political spectrum expressed their firm backing for the Iranian people, Netanyahu, and the IDF in the operation against Iran.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Oztma Yehudit) vowed that all national security bodies under his ministry are “prepared for any scenario.”
He said this includes the Israel Police, local emergency response squads, Border Police fighters, the Israel Prison Service, and Fire and Rescue Services.
Ben-Gvir held a situational assessment at the Israel Police National Command Center on Saturday.
“Anyone who incites, anyone who tries to exploit the situation to harm the State of Israel - his head needs to be taken off, plain and simple,” Ben-Gvir said in remarks at the assessment.
Smotrich says Finance Ministry ready to support the war
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich (Religious Zionist Party) said the operation was “ a well-planned move, built in close coordination with the United States.”
The Finance Ministry held a situational meeting on Saturday for preparedness and stated it will provide the appropriate economic framework for businesses and employees across the country, as well as for government ministries, in accordance with developments.
Smotrich added that the Finance Ministry is “prepared and ready to economically support the war and to provide a safety net to the citizens of Israel as required.”
“This is also a positive move for the economy, and the entire world understands this well,” he continued.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the security cabinet had approved the operation overnight, arguing that refraining from action would have been “far more dangerous” than moving forward despite the risks.
Sa’ar said time was critical, warning that delay could have allowed Iran to reach a “zone of immunity” for its nuclear program and accelerate the mass production of long-range ballistic missiles.
He added that “the Iranian people are not our enemy,” and praised what he called their “heroic” struggle for freedom against repression.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid (Yesh Atid) said that there were “no political implications” involved in the operation.
“We are all united regarding the operation in Iran,” Lapid stated.
“We stand united behind the pilots, the fighters, and the security forces in the most justified operation there is,” he added.
Yisrael Beytanu chairperson Avigdor Liberman also expressed his full backing for the operation.
”Citizens of Israel, we are a nation of lions and a strong country. Throughout history, we have faced threats and known how to win together,” Liberman stated.
“I strengthen the IDF soldiers and security forces who at this very moment are fighting with strength, responsibility, and determination,” he added.
Blue and White chairperson Benny Gantz said that changing the Iranian regime is a global and regional interest, speaking to N12 on Saturday evening.
Asked if Israelis should expect a prolonged campaign, Gantz said the nation should be prepared for a long campaign. He noted that the reality in Iran could change, but warned that it would require sustained and well-executed action. “There is a historic opportunity here,” Gantz said. “It would be a shame to miss it.”
He added that the US military and the IDF must act cautiously, saying the process needs to be carried out responsibly. Addressing US support for Israel, Gantz said, “This isn’t aid, this is a joint effort.”
Knesset speaker Amir Ohana announced on Saturday evening that all Knesset committee meetings and planned plenum sessions on Sunday would be canceled.
In addition, scheduled visitor groups, guests, and tours will not be permitted to enter the Knesset building on Sunday.
Chairperson of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, MK Boaz Bismuth, announced that an operational intelligence briefing regarding the operation would be held in the committee on Monday.
The committee is also expected to hold a vote to approve the declaration of a special state of emergency on the home front.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett stated that he stands with the IDF, government, and Netanyahu in the operation.
“The Iranian people, who have recently shown rare courage, stand before a historic opportunity to free themselves from a violent, disconnected, corrupt, and failing terror regime. The Jewish people are praying for you,” he stated.
“The coming days will be challenging. We will need to follow the Home Front Command’s instructions and pause our routine, but this is an important and necessary action for the security of the State of Israel,” Bennett added.
Former defense minister Yoav Gallant said, “The people of Iran will receive the best possible conditions for changing the regime,” speaking with Channel 12 News on Saturday.