Netanyahu confirms Operation ‘Lion’s Roar’ against Iran, says strikes aimed to remove ‘existential threat’ from Iranian regime

After multiple strikes hit Iran earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement addressing the nation, confirming that Israel and the United States have launched an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. In the video message, Netanyahu also thanked US President Donald Trump for his support and leadership in the operation.

The Israeli Prime Minister accused Iran’s leadership of decades of hostility and violence. Netanyahu alleged that the Ayatollahs’ regime chanted “Death to Israel,” “Death to America” for 47 years. He further accused the regime of spilling blood, murdering many Americans, and massacring its own people. The PM warned that this “murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity.”

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In his address, the Prime Minister appealed directly to various ethnic groups within Iran, urging them to rise against the ruling establishment. He said, “The time has come for all parts of the Iranian people—the Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis—to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran.”

He also called on Israeli citizens to strictly follow official safety instructions amid the escalating conflict. He said, “I call on you, citizens of Israel, to heed the instructions of the Home Front Command. In the coming days, during Operation “Lion’s Roar,” we will all be called upon to show patience and strength of spirit. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

אחיי ואחיותיי אזרחי ישראל, לפני שעה קלה יצאנו ישראל וארה״ב למבצע להסרת האיום הקיומי מצד משטר הטרור באיראן.

אני מודה לידידינו הגדול הנשיא דונלד טראמפ על מנהיגותו ההיסטורית.

במשך 47 שנים קורא משטר האייתוללות ״מוות לישראל״, ״מוות לאמריקה״. הוא הקיז את דמינו, רצח אמריקנים רבים וטבח… pic.twitter.com/itTF5b4jB4

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) February 28, 2026

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that the IDF identified missiles launched from Iran toward Israel after its strikes hit Tehran earlier today. It stated that Israeli defensive systems are operating to intercept the threat. The Home Front Command has sent a precautionary directive directly to mobile phones in the relevant areas.

Also, an additional barrage of missiles was launched toward Israel. The Aerial Defense Array is currently identifying and intercepting threats.