Photo: Facebook / The Prime Minister of Israel
Israel has officially confirmed a large-scale air operation against Iran, which targeted facilities related to its nuclear programme and missile production. According to The Times of Israel, citing the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), dozens of fighter jets attacked strategic military targets in various regions of Iran.
In a statement, the IDF said the strikes were “targeted preventive” and aimed at preventing the implementation of Iran’s nuclear programme, which Jerusalem views as an “existential threat”.
“The IDF and the relevant authorities are prepared for a wide range of scenarios, both defensive and offensive,” the statement said. The Israeli military calls on civilians to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command, which will be updated in real time.
Israel accuses Iran of financing terrorism across the Middle East and waging a long-running hybrid war against the Jewish state. According to the IDF, the operation was a response to the immediate threat posed by the regime in Tehran, which is “closer than ever” to developing nuclear weapons.
In a nightly video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was at a “decisive stage in its history” and assured that the operation would continue until its goals were fully achieved.
“Our brave pilots are attacking a large number of targets across Iran… Iran has significant capabilities to harm us, but we are ready to defend ourselves,” Netanyahu said.
The operation has already caused a resonance in the international arena. According to Western media, explosions have been heard in Tehran, and Iran’s air force has been put on full combat alert.
The world is watching with bated breath a new phase of confrontation that threatens to escalate into a full-scale regional conflict.
