As Shabbos approached, IDF Spokesperson Avichay Adraee revealed that the Israeli military had begun mobilizing reservists from several branches as part of a broader initiative to strengthen both offensive and defensive capabilities across the country. This mobilization came in tandem with the launch of Operation Rising Lion.
Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu addressed the public as Israel’s campaign against Iran’s nuclear program continued to unfold.
“The first question people ask is, ‘Why now?’” Netanyahu said at the outset of his remarks. “But it’s not really ‘now’—this directive was issued over half a year ago, in November 2024. I ordered the elimination of Iran’s nuclear program.”
He explained that this decision came shortly after the targeted killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. “It was clear to me—and to others—that with the collapse of the Iranian axis, which formed one base for Israel’s destruction, Iran would rush to advance its nuclear program. That’s exactly what it did.”
Netanyahu elaborated on the urgency of action. “There was a need to act,” he said. “I set the operation date for late April 2025. For various reasons, that date was not feasible. The precise timing was ultimately determined based on IDF recommendations and my consultations with the Chief of Staff and Defense Minister. This wasn’t due to trivial factors—it was a clear necessity. I said: if Iran acquires nuclear weapons—we simply won’t be here.”
In Tehran, the newly instated commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour—who took over following the death of Hossein Salami—delivered a stark warning in his first remarks since assuming the role. “A painful fate awaits Israel.” He added, “The gates of hell will soon open.”
