Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that the airstrikes on Iran were a necessary action to defend the Jewish state.
In a live-streamed speech, Netanyahu said Israel acted to prevent an existential threat from Iran, which he said was "on the verge of possessing a nuclear weapon."
“This was not an attack, it was self-defense,” he stressed. “Iran has been secretly building a nuclear device for years that cannot be left unanswered. Today we have taken the step that needed to be taken.”
Netanyahu added that the targets hit were carefully chosen and were of a military and nuclear nature. He denied any intention to harm civilians and stressed that Israel does not seek war, but is ready to confront any potential threat.
The Israeli prime minister said that defense forces have been deployed on all borders and are on high alert. He warned that any retaliatory attack by Iran would be met with a strong and immediate response.
At the end of his speech, Netanyahu thanked international allies who, according to him, “understood the danger and supported Israel’s legitimate right to defend its people.” He added that Israel will continue to act decisively to ensure the security of its citizens.