Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday hailed the joint Israel–US offensive in Iran, dubbed “Operation Lion’s Roar,” saying Tehran's "murderous terrorist regime" can't be allowed to have nuclear weapons.
"Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership," Netanyahu said in a video message released after remarks by Trump.
He added that for 47 years, Iran’s clerical leadership has chanted “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” and accused it of shedding Israeli blood, killing Americans and repressing its own people.
“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” he added.
Like Trump earlier, Netanyahu also hinted at the prospect of regime change in Iran.
“Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands. The time has come for all parts of the Iranian people — Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch and Ahwazis — to cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran,” he remarked.
The Israeli premier urged citizens to show “patience” and “strength of spirit” in the coming days as Operation Lion’s Roar continues.
