Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran “will pay” for the 180 missiles launched at his country on Tuesday.
“Tonight, Iran made a big mistake – and it will pay for it,” the leader said at a security cabinet meeting. “The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and demand a price from our enemies.”
Netanyahu then referred to the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, two Iranian-backed militant groups, to underline what he meant. The Israeli leader mentioned Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli strike last week, and others killed by Israel, writing that they did not understand what Israel would do.
“Apparently there are people in Tehran who don’t understand this either. They will,” Netanyahu said.
“We are fighting the axis of evil everywhere, including in southern Lebanon and Gaza, where our heroic soldiers are active,” he later added. “Today, more than ever, the forces of light in the world must unite and work together against the dark regime of the Ayatollahs, which is the source of terror and evil in our region.”
Israel on Tuesday began conducting ground operations in search of top leaders of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. In his speech, Netanyahu vowed to pursue all of Israel’s enemies, especially those who attacked the country.
“On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, I say to you, citizens of Israel: Israel has the momentum and the axis of evil is on its way back. We will do whatever it takes to continue this trend,” he said during his speech. “To achieve all our war objectives, especially the return of all our hostages, and to secure our existence and our future.”
“A good and safe year to all of you,” he added later.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit The Hill.