Israeli Prime Minister Urges Preparedness as Iran Retaliates for Strikes on Nuclear Sites

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has addressed the nation amid escalating hostilities with Iran, urging citizens to prepare for extended periods in shelters as the threat of further retaliatory attacks looms. Netanyahu’s remarks come after Israel launched a series of targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities early Friday, an operation Israeli officials described as necessary to counter what they called an existential threat posed by Iran’s advancing nuclear program.

In a direct message to the Iranian people, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s conflict is with the Iranian regime, not its citizens, whom he described as “brave” but oppressed by a “murderous regime.” He reiterated that Israel’s military actions were focused on halting Iran’s nuclear ambitions and safeguarding Israeli national security.

The Israeli strikes reportedly killed several high-ranking Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists, including top commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, prompting Iranian authorities to label the operation a “declaration of war”. In response, Iran launched a massive retaliatory attack, firing over 150 ballistic missiles and more than 100 drones at targets across Israel in what Tehran called Operation True Promise III. The Israeli military has since declared that “all of Israel is under attack,” as air raid sirens sounded in major cities and civilians sought shelter.

At least 41 Israelis have been injured in the Iranian strikes, while Iranian sources claim that 78 people were killed and 320 injured in the initial Israeli assault. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a “special emergency situation” nationwide, warning that the conflict could continue for days or even weeks.

The United States, while assisting in intercepting some incoming missiles aimed at Israel, has stated it was not involved in Israel’s initial strike on Iran and has reduced its military presence in the region in anticipation of further escalation. The international community remains on high alert as protests erupted in Tehran and diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent broader regional conflict.

Netanyahu’s public statements underscore the gravity of the current crisis and the Israeli government’s resolve to confront Iran’s nuclear program, even as the risk of wider war grows.