Netanyahu Vows: 'Operation Lion’s Roar' Removes Existential Threat Posed by Iran
Netanyahu states joint US-Israel operation 'Lion’s Roar' aims to eliminate existential threat from Iran, targeting Revolutionary Guard, Basij, and missile sites.
Israel has officially named its military campaign against Iran “Operation Lion’s Roar,” with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the joint offensive with the United States was launched to “remove an existential threat posed” by Tehran. The announcement follows coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure amid rapidly escalating regional tensions.
In a formal statement, Netanyahu said the operation was aimed at ending what he described as “the threat of the Iranian ayatollah’s regime,” framing the action as a defensive necessity rather than an act of aggression. He asserted that Israel could not allow Iran to continue advancing capabilities that, in his view, directly endangered the Jewish state’s security and long-term survival.
According to Israeli officials, Operation Lion’s Roar has targeted installations associated with Iran’s paramilitary apparatus, including sites linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its volunteer auxiliary wing, the Basij. Netanyahu also confirmed that ballistic missile facilities were among the primary objectives, citing concerns over Iran’s missile development and deployment capabilities.
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The Israeli government maintains that the strikes are intended to significantly degrade Iran’s offensive capacity and disrupt infrastructure believed to support regional proxy operations. Officials argue that targeting Revolutionary Guard and missile assets is essential to counter what they characterize as a sustained campaign of hostility directed at Israel through both direct and indirect means.
Iran has strongly condemned the strikes, describing them as acts of aggression and vowing retaliation. Iranian authorities have stated that military sites were hit but have not provided comprehensive details regarding the extent of the damage. The exchange marks one of the most serious escalations in the longstanding rivalry between the two nations, raising fears of broader regional instability.
International observers have expressed concern that the conflict could expand beyond limited strikes, particularly given the coordinated involvement of the United States. As Operation Lion’s Roar unfolds, global diplomatic efforts are likely to intensify in an attempt to prevent a wider confrontation that could further destabilize West Asia.
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