Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that world leaders have praised the strength and determination of Israel's military in the face of rising tensions with Iran and ongoing battle in Gaza.
The regional crisis escalated last Friday as Netanyahu initiated 'Operation Rising Lion', a surgical military operation to neutralize what he characterized as Iran's expanding nuclear danger.
The action prompted an immediate and aggressive response from Tehran, dramatically increasing tensions and putting the region on the precipice of all-out war.
During a live national speech on Wednesday, Netanyahu said, "I have to tell you that I talk to world leaders, and they are extremely impressed by our resolve and the success of our forces. They are also extremely impressed by you, citizens of Israel, by your resilient spirit and by your firmness."
He also expressed appreciation to the US's former President Donald Trump for his continued support throughout the crisis. "I thank President Donald Trump, a wonderful friend of Israel, for standing with us, and for the support of the US in helping to defend the Israeli skies. We speak with each other often, also last night. We had a very warm talk. I thank Trump for his support," Netanyahu said.
Setting out the aims of the military operation, Netanyahu described how Operation Rising Lion aims to eradicate two threats to Israel's existence — Iran's ambition for nuclear weapons and its ballistic missiles.
"We dominate the skies over Tehran. We are striking the ayatollahs' regime with tremendous power. We are striking nuclear facilities, missiles, command centers and symbols of the regime," he said.
Recognizing the cost of the war, he said, "We are suffering heavy losses, bitter losses. Yet we see that the home front is resilient. The people are resilient, and the State of Israel is more resilient than ever. I have instructed the Government ministries to help all those hurt."
Netanyahu also spoke about the ongoing military action in Gaza, calling the clashes there "intense" and reiterating Israel's unyielding goals.
"We will not back down. We are determined to accomplish two missions — conquering Hamas and retrieving all of our hostages, alive and dead," he confirmed.
He spoke about the loss of Israeli soldiers in the past few days. "To my regret, in the past few days too, great soldiers fell. I share in the grief of the families. We offer condolences in the name of the Government and the entire country. We welcome them. We will keep going until we bring them all and until Hamas is defeated once and for all."
Read also| ‘India Rejects Mediation’ — PM Modi on 35-Minute Call with Trump
