Tehran Is Burning:In a powerful address from Bat Yam, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is on a mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear and missile threats. Following a major strike on Tehran, Netanyahu vowed to destroy Iran’s capabilities, complete the defeat of Hamas, and secure the release of all hostages. He emphasized unity among Jews and Arabs, praised U.S. support under President Trump, and urged citizens to follow safety guidelines as Israel pushes forward in what he called a historic and necessary battle for national survival.
Tehran Is Burning:Netanyahu’s Fiery Speech After Israeli Strike on Iran
In a defiant and emotionally charged address from the southern city of Bat Yam, which had just been struck by Iranian missiles, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s full commitment to destroying Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He described the moment as both painful and significant, asserting that the country is now on a path to eliminate what he called “the two greatest existential threats to our nation – Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its growing arsenal of ballistic missiles.”
Netanyahu revealed that Israel’s military had launched a decisive preemptive operation just before Iran could finalize its nuclear weapons program and before it could deploy tens of thousands of ballistic missiles. Many of these missiles, he said, are of the same kind that recently struck Bat Yam and other Israeli cities. According to him, had Israel not acted, Iran would soon have had 20,000 such missiles within six years, threatening Israel’s very survival.
He announced that the ongoing military campaign has been named “The Nation Will Rise Like a Lion,” reflecting Israel’s unwavering determination in the face of mounting threats. Netanyahu emphasized the critical importance of civilian cooperation in this fight, urging Israelis to follow Home Front Command guidelines. He said the discipline and unity of the public were saving lives, and without that national spirit, such operations would not be possible.
Looking back, Netanyahu reminded citizens that over forty years ago, he had warned that the rise of Iran’s Islamic regime posed the greatest threat to Israel’s future. At the time, he said, his concerns were dismissed as political fearmongering. He criticized previous American administrations for enabling Iran’s nuclear pursuits, especially through what he called a “disastrous agreement” that legitimized Iran’s nuclear program and rewarded it with billions of dollars.
While Netanyahu said Israel had successfully delayed Iran’s nuclear program over the years, it had not been entirely stopped. Meanwhile, Iran had tried to encircle Israel by strengthening a network of terror organizations across the region. In response, Israel’s multi-front military operations had already begun to dismantle this axis of aggression. After the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, Israel first targeted Hamas forces and secured the release of over 200 hostages. Netanyahu confirmed he had recently instructed negotiators to resume talks for the remaining captives, expressing optimism about a possible breakthrough. His mission, he stressed, was to eliminate Hamas and bring back every Israeli hostage.
Attention then shifted north. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Air Force, and intelligence units were tasked with dismantling Hezbollah’s missile stockpiles, which had been amassed over many years. According to Netanyahu, most of this stockpile has now been destroyed. He also confirmed that Israeli forces had successfully eliminated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Following that, he said, it was inevitable that Iran would accelerate its nuclear and missile development, prompting the current operation against Tehran.
He described Israeli Air Force pilots striking deep into Tehran itself. “Tehran is burning,” he said, noting that despite giving prior warnings to civilians to evacuate, Iran continued hiding the truth from its own people. He stated clearly that Israel does not target civilians, unlike Iran, which he accused of deliberately bombing Israeli cities such as Tel Aviv, Rishon LeZion, and Rehovot. Israel, he insisted, operates differently and is determined to complete what he called “a dual mission”: removing both the nuclear and missile threats from Iran.
Netanyahu addressed speculation from critics and military analysts who claim such goals are unachievable. “It can be done,” he said. “It will be done.” He shared that he remains in close and regular contact with U.S. President Donald Trump, and thanked Minister Ron Dermer for assisting with strategic discussions with American officials. He praised Trump’s leadership and the support the U.S. is providing Israel in the form of defense and political backing.
He further stressed that defense is not only about missile interception technology but also about the behavior of Israeli citizens. He acknowledged the public for their discipline, which has significantly reduced casualties. However, he condemned those who celebrated the deaths of four civilians in the Arab city of Tamra following a missile strike. “The missile does not differentiate between Jews and Arabs,” Netanyahu said, adding that this is a fight for the entire nation, regardless of ethnicity or religion. He shared the story of an Arab first responder who risked his life to save Jewish citizens, illustrating that all of Israel is standing united in this moment.
Closing his speech, Netanyahu assured Israelis that while the campaign would take time and would not deliver results overnight, the nation would prevail. “With persistence, courage, and unity — and with God’s help — we will win,” he concluded. “We stand together, and we will win together.
Disclaimer: This article is a report based on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech following Israel’s military operation in Tehran. The views expressed are those of the speaker and reflect the perspective of the Israeli government. This blog does not endorse any side in the conflict and aims to present developments objectively for informational purposes.