Israel is not the same Israel is was prior to October 23, 2023. In his address to the nation on Saturday evening, eight hours into Operation Roaring Lion, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that like it or not, one thing is now unmistakably clear to the entire world: Am Israel Chai.
“With God’s help, the lion’s roar of our soldiers, our pilots, and our citizens is now being heard throughout the entire world,” he declared after Israel Air Force had, together with the US military, carried out hundreds sorties against targets across Iran.
Netanyahu said that this “fateful operation will continue as long as is necessary,” the goal being to eliminate the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs and to weaken the ayatollah regime to the point of collapse, giving the people of Iran the chance to reclaim their destiny.
“We have gone to battle to change this situation fundamentally, to put an end to the threat,” said Netanyahu. “I promised you that we would change the face of the Middle East.”
Israeli pilots prepare to take off for Iran on the morning of Saturday, February 28, 2026. Photo: Israel Defense Forces
The audacity of the Israeli action was undeniable. The first target hit in Tehran in the early hours of Saturday morning was the residential compound of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. “For three and a half decades, this cruel tyrant has exported terror around the world, made his people miserable, and worked tirelessly, without ceasing, on the plan to destroy Israel,” stressed the Israeli leader. “That plan is no more.”
And soon the moment will come for the Iranian people to play their role.
“We will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to liberate themselves from the chains of tyranny,” stated Netanyahu. “I turn once again to you, the citizens of Iran: Do not miss this opportunity; it is a once-in-a-generation chance. Soon your moment will arrive, the moment when you will be called to take to the streets and topple the regime of horrors that embitters your lives. The help you have prayed for, that help has arrived.”
In a statement earlier in the day, shortly after Israelis were woken by a proactive early warning siren, Netanyahu said the nation was united and that “together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”
In both statements, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his “historic leadership” that had made this moment possible.
‘No one can break us’
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, after also thanking Trump, said this war was a clear message to all who would seek to harm the Jewish state: “The people of Israel are a strong nation. No one can break our spirit.”
Herzog went on to offer his prayers that Israeli and US soldiers taking part in this “noble operation” return home safely:
“To the brave women and men of the IDF: I trust and support you. An entire nation stands behind you. May God bless you all, and may you all return home in peace.
“To the United States military servicemen and women conducting this noble mission: thank you. Our partnership is a true blessing, advancing hope, prosperity, and security. Together, we will prevail. May God bless you, and may you all return home in peace.”
Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump, the leader of the free world, for taking a historic and courageous decision.
I fully support you and Prime Minister Benjamin @Netanyahu and your teams in this decision to launch a bold, combined operation against the world’s leading state…
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) February 28, 2026
Until victory
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said Operation Roaring Lion “is an operation to secure our existence and our future here, in the land of our forefathers, for generations to come.”
In an address to his troops, Zamir emphasized that they “surpass our adversaries in courage, in determination, and in the justice of our cause. Time and again, our enemies learn that the resilience of Israel’s home front cannot be broken. We share one destiny. We will stand united as a fortified wall against every challenge.”
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir addressing the nation. Screenshot
Zamir also got biblical, noting that the Book of Esther “teaches us that responsibility for our destiny rests first and foremost in our own hands – in courage, initiative, unity, and the willingness to fight for freedom and peace.”
He urged Israel’s pilots to “carry with you the vision of our forefathers [and] go forth on your missions. An entire nation stands behind you — until victory.”
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