Netanyahu says ‘Operation Lion’s Roar’ to eliminate ‘existential threat’ from Iran’s regime
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed early Saturday that Israel and the United States have launched a major joint military operation, codenamed “Lion’s Roar,” aimed at removing the “existential threat” from Iran’s regime.
In a video address to Israeli citizens released shortly after explosions were reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, Netanyahu described the strikes as a decisive response to decades of hostility from the Islamic Republic.
“My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran,” Netanyahu stated.
He extended thanks to US President Donald Trump for his “historic leadership,” highlighting the long-standing chants of “Death to Israel” and “Death to America” by Iran’s Ayatollahs’ regime over 47 years.
Netanyahu accused the regime of spilling Israeli and American blood, murdering Americans, and massacring its own citizens.
“The murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” he emphasized.
Netanyahu framed the operation as creating opportunities for change inside Iran, stating: “Our joint operation will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their fate into their own hands.”
He directly addressed Iran’s diverse ethnic groups—the Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis—urging them to “cast off the yoke of tyranny and bring freedom and peace-loving values to Iran.”
Turning to domestic audiences, Netanyahu called on Israeli citizens to follow instructions from the Home Front Command during the coming days of Operation “Lion’s Roar.”
He urged patience and “strength of spirit,” vowing: “Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”
The announcement follows US President Trump’s earlier declaration of “major combat operations” against Iran to neutralize threats from its nuclear and missile programs, with Israel confirming its active participation in preemptive strikes. Reports indicate explosions and smoke in Tehran, though details on targets, damage, and casualties remain emerging.
