Netanyahu urges Israelis to stay calm amid tense days ahead
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed citizens amid mutual strikes between Iran and Israel on the morning of February 28, calling for patience in the coming days.
Read also: Israel attacks Iran, supported by US, as tensions spike in the Middle East
"A few minutes ago, Israel and the United States launched an operation to eliminate an existing threat from the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership," Netanyahu said.
He added that for 47 years, the ayatollah regime has called for "death to Israel" and "death to America."
"It has shed our blood, killed many Americans, and committed mass killings of its own people. We cannot allow this brutal terrorist regime to acquire nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity," the prime minister continued.
According to Netanyahu, the joint actions of Israel and the US will create conditions for "the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands."
"Now is the time for all the peoples of Iran — Persians, Kurds, Azerbaijanis, Balochs, and Ahvazis — to throw off the yoke of tyranny and build a free and peaceful Iran. I call on you, citizens of Israel, to follow the instructions of the civil defense command. In the coming days during Operation 'Lion’s Roar,' we will all need patience and strength of spirit," Netanyahu added.
Situation in the Middle East
On February 28, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran to eliminate security threats. Due to the risk of retaliatory attacks, a nationwide state of emergency has been declared, and citizens are urged to stay near shelters.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the implementation of an "immediate nationwide state of emergency." According to him, the preemptive strike on Iran was necessary to neutralize existing threats to Israel.
The attack on Iran is reported to be a joint operation between Israel and the United States.
US President Donald Trump stated that the United States had launched a military campaign in Iran to eliminate threats posed by the current regime. The primary goal of the operation is to protect the American people and its allies.
Later, Iran reportedly launched missiles toward Israeli territory. Israel’s air defense systems are already working to intercept the targets.
