Prime Minister Netanyahu affirmed that Israel and the United States had nearly achieved total control over Iranian airspace in a Saturday evening address to the nation.
The prime minister asserted that the military operations, in coordination with the US, came with understanding from US President Donald Trump regarding the magnitude of danger Iran posed not only to it, but to the broader international community.
"There was a risk that Iran would attack American targets in the region and Israel first, and for this reason, we decided to act first," Netanyahu said.
"We have turned Israel into a regional power. All of this requires courage, initiative, and taking risks," he added, while also pointing out that this was a goal of his government since Hamas did the October 7 massacre.
"As I promised two days after October 7, we are changing the face of the Middle East. But it's not only the face of the Middle East, its also ourselves. Our initiative and surprising actions are dramatically changing the balance of power between our enemy and us," he explained.
First week of war with Iran
Netanyahu also addressed the several objectives that the IDF accomplished during the first day of the war: The killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the destruction of hundreds of ballistic missiles and launchers, and an almost total domination of the skies in Tehran.
He also warned the Lebanese government: "Our responsibility is to enforce the ceasefire agreement and disarm Hezbollah. If you do not do this, there will be disastrous consequences for Lebanon. Take your fate into your own hands."
This is a developing story.