In a detailed interview with Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined the reasoning, scope, and objectives of Israel’s offensive against Iran:
The attack was launched to counter an imminent and existential threat, including Iran’s accelerated nuclear bomb development and growing ballistic missile arsenal.
Netanyahu confirmed the destruction of the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities, saying the latter is essential to producing a nuclear weapon.
Israeli intelligence indicated Iran intended to transfer nuclear arms to proxies like the Houthis.
Netanyahu claimed Israel assassinated the IRGC intelligence chief and that the operation surprised Iran completely, calling surprise a “critical element of success.”
He stated that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination was part of the broader effort to dismantle the Iranian axis.
“We will end this operation when Iran’s nuclear capabilities are fully dismantled,” Netanyahu said, adding that Israel will not allow “a nuclear Holocaust.”
While open to negotiations, Netanyahu said talks are only worthwhile if Iran permanently abandons uranium enrichment.
He pledged to continue the campaign to eliminate the dual threat of Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.
Netanyahu’s remarks signal that Israel views this operation as a historic turning point, with no intent to stop until all strategic objectives are met.
