Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran on Sunday, saying Tehran would face a devastating Israeli response if it launches another attack and declaring that Israel remains determined to complete what he described as its unfinished mission of bringing down the Iranian regime.
Speaking during a New Year’s toast at a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu pointed to Israel’s military accomplishments and said the country enters the new year in a far stronger position against its adversaries.
“We are at the start of the New Year, and more than ever, Israel is ahead. Thanks to the wise and courageous decisions we made together at this table, thanks to our soldiers’ heroism, thanks to our strong standing, we achieved great things.”
Netanyahu said Israel has emerged stronger while its enemies have been significantly weakened, crediting cooperation with the United States with helping eliminate major threats posed by Iran.
The Prime Minister claimed that Israel is stronger than ever; our enemies are weaker than ever. Together with the United States, we achieved great achievements by removing an existential threat from above our heads. We removed the atomic bombs and ballistic missiles, and we hit the Iranian axis with great force.”
Turning directly to Tehran, Netanyahu warned Iranian leaders against miscalculating and launching another assault on Israel.
“We are determined to defend ourselves; we are determined to strike our enemies. They don’t attack us. Iran is avoiding it, and it knows why. Of course, it can err and make a mistake and attack us. It sustains a hit like one it hasn’t even imagined.”
Netanyahu broadened that warning to Israel’s other adversaries, saying the country has demonstrated its ability to come together during periods of danger and has established itself as the dominant military power in the region.
“Don’t mess with us. This nation knows how to unite in trying times, and it is currently the strongest power in the Middle East, and some say beyond as well.”
The Prime Minister also praised IDF soldiers and members of Israel’s security services for their ongoing operations on multiple fronts.
“From here, I want to bless the heroic soldiers of the IDF and the security branches who labor constantly. We are eliminating terrorists around the clock – in Lebanon, in Gaza, and in Judea and Samaria.”
Despite what he described as major achievements, Netanyahu stressed that Israel’s military campaign remains unfinished. He identified the collapse of Iran’s government as the foremost task still ahead, portraying the regime as increasingly vulnerable.
“The achievements are immense, but there is still more to complete. I mean, first and foremost, the toppling of the regime. This regime in Iran – its end is near. It is weak; it is fighting for its life; it is faltering.”
Netanyahu said accomplishing the remaining objective would have consequences extending far beyond the immediate conflict, fundamentally altering the Middle East and the course of Jewish history.
“There is another mission to complete, which we are determined to bring about. This will permanently change the face of the Middle East and the history of our people. We know that we are determined to do this, and we are determined and know that we are capable of doing this.”
Netanyahu concluded his remarks with a prayer for the coming year and expressed hope that it would bring greater blessings for Israel.
“Therefore, I say: May the year and its curses end, and may a year with its blessings begin – blessings greater than we have ever had. A happy New Year to the people of Israel.”
