Israels Netanyahu asserts country is stronger than ever post-Iran conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Thursday that the ongoing conflict with Iran has resulted in significant damage to the country’s nuclear and ballistic projects. According to Netanyahu, Israeli attacks have killed top Iranian nuclear scientists and inflicted severe damage on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces.

Netanyahu claimed that the attacks launched on February 28 had prevented Iran from moving its nuclear and ballistic projects underground. He also stated that Iran is no longer in the same position as it was before the attacks began.

Regarding Iran’s newly-elected supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, and Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu declined to comment on taking out “life insurance” policies on either figure. He described Khamenei as a “puppet of the Revolutionary Guards,” who is unable to appear in public due to a statement issued by the supreme leader.

Netanyahu also addressed protesters in Iran, stating that Israel stands with them but ultimately leaves the decision up to the Iranian people. This stance echoes previous comments made by US President Donald Trump, who called on Iranians to rise up and overthrow their government.

The conflict has led to increased tensions in the region, with several Gulf countries halting oil operations due to drone and missile attacks launched by Iran. The United Nations Security Council adopted a draft resolution condemning Iran’s actions and demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.

Netanyahu also mentioned that the conflict has enabled Israel to forge alliances in the region, stating that this would not have been possible in the past but is now being pursued.

Source: Al Jazeera