Netanyahu Says Iran and Hezbollah Weaker Than Ever After Israeli Strikes on Tehran and Beirut

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that Israel will respond with “overwhelming force” if Iran resumes attacks, following a fresh round of hostilities that pushed the two regional rivals closer to a broader conflict. The remarks came after a weekend marked by missile exchanges and military strikes, with both sides appearing to step back from further escalation for the time being.

In a statement released through the official Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu said Israel was currently refraining from additional military action because Iran had halted its attacks following Israeli operations. However, he cautioned that any renewed aggression from Tehran would trigger a powerful response. The comments reflected Israel’s continued effort to project deterrence amid heightened tensions across the Middle East.

Netanyahu described the latest confrontation as part of a larger campaign that began roughly a year ago. He claimed Israel had acted preemptively against what it viewed as a significant threat from Iran’s nuclear ambitions and reiterated his government's long-standing position that Tehran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. The Israeli leader also referenced the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Israeli military operations, an event that has remained a major source of regional instability.

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The prime minister also highlighted developments on Israel’s northern front involving the militant group Hezbollah. He said Israeli forces had successfully disrupted alleged plans by Hezbollah to launch attacks on northern Israel and claimed the organisation’s military capabilities had been significantly weakened. Netanyahu further stated that Israeli operations in southern Lebanon were continuing, including efforts targeting underground infrastructure believed to be linked to the group.

Addressing the events that triggered the latest escalation, Netanyahu defended Israeli military strikes against Hezbollah-linked targets in Beirut and subsequent operations targeting military and economic facilities inside Iran. He maintained that these actions were carried out in response to attacks directed at Israeli territory and were part of Israel’s broader security strategy. According to Netanyahu, both Iran and Hezbollah have emerged weakened from the conflict, although he acknowledged that Israel’s confrontation with the two adversaries is not yet over.

The Israeli leader concluded his remarks by referencing his communications with US President Donald Trump, describing the discussions as constructive while emphasizing Israel’s right to self-defence. His comments came amid reports of growing international concern over the possibility of a wider regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts continue to focus on preventing further escalation, as global powers closely monitor developments between Israel, Iran and their respective allies across the Middle East.

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