Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took a hard line, saying military action could resume even after a cease-fire deal between the United States and Iran.
Netanyahu said in a video message on the 8th, local time, "Israel still has goals to complete" and "we will achieve them, either through an agreement or through combat." He added, "We are ready to return to battle at any time," saying, "our finger is also on the trigger."
In particular, he made clear he would not stop the offensive against Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed faction. Netanyahu said, "Hezbollah is not included in this cease-fire agreement," adding, "attacks on them will continue."
He also highlighted recent operational results. Netanyahu said, "We leveled 100 targets in just 10 minutes, including areas Hezbollah believed were safe," calling the strike "the most devastating blow Hezbollah has suffered since the 2024 'beeper explosion operation.'" He boasted that Israel had secured "security zones" deep inside enemy territory, including Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu said the operation went beyond destroying military facilities and shook the foundations of Iran's regime. He said Israel had cut off the cash flow of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and struck naval assets, missile bases, military aircraft, and command headquarters. He added, "If not for the two wars we waged against Iran over the past year, Iran would already have nuclear weapons."
He also reaffirmed a hard line on the Iran nuclear issue. He said, "All enriched uranium in Iran must be shipped out of the country," vowing, "we will achieve this, either through an agreement or through combat that will resume."
Netanyahu also dismissed talk of an "Israel bypass," stressing that the sudden U.S.-Iran cease-fire deal was coordinated with Israel in advance. He said, "The United States did not surprise us at the last moment."
He also emphasized his close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Netanyahu said, "I speak with President Trump every day," referring to him as "my friend Donald." He added, "Close cooperation between the two countries is changing the face of the Middle East."
Netanyahu called the cease-fire "a complete defeat for Iran." He said, "Under military pressure, Iran abandoned its core demands for lifting economic sanctions and compensation, a permanent end to the war, and a Lebanon cease-fire," adding, "in the end, the Strait of Hormuz was reopened."