Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a powerful speech during the Knesset’s opening session on Monday, asserting that recent airstrikes on Iranian sites had successfully dismantled what he described as “industrial factories of death.” He emphasized Israel’s commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and vowed to continue strengthening relations with Arab nations.
In his address, Netanyahu stated, “We severely damaged Iran’s defense systems and its ability to export missiles,” rejecting reports that U.S. pressure had led him to scale back Israel’s response to an Iranian ballistic missile attack earlier this month. He insisted that Israel’s decisions are driven solely by its own national interests.
Netanyahu outlined Israel’s long-term strategy against Iran and its proxies, declaring, “Our goal is to dismantle the axis of evil, cut off its arms in the south and north, and prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear power.” The recent airstrikes were described as unprecedented in scale and immediacy, following a substantial ballistic missile barrage from Iran.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed Netanyahu’s remarks, claiming that the strikes significantly weakened Iran’s missile production capabilities and air defenses, thereby shifting the balance of power in the region.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid sharply criticized Netanyahu’s government, asserting that no prime minister had weakened Israel more than Netanyahu. He called for accountability and urged the prime minister to take responsibility for both successes and failures in the ongoing conflict, especially regarding recent attacks on Israeli civilians and military personnel.
The Knesset session saw tensions rise, with heated exchanges between Lapid and Netanyahu’s supporters. President Isaac Herzog urged lawmakers to maintain decorum, emphasizing that internal strife only serves to embolden Israel’s enemies.