Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu held his first press conference since the war began on Thursday evening, addressing the public through a video conference appearance in which he discussed the fighting with Hezbollah, Israel’s broader campaign against Iran and its proxies, and questions surrounding his ongoing trial.

During the briefing, Netanyahu focused heavily on Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks against Israel and issued a stern warning to the Iranian-backed terror group, declaring that it would face serious consequences for its actions. He said Hezbollah’s aggression would come at a steep cost.

“This is no longer the same Iran, this is no longer the same Middle East, and this is also not the same Israel. We initiate and attack with force. Trump and I talk almost every day, exchange ideas and advice, and decide together,” Netanyahu said.

The prime minister asserted that Israel’s military campaign has dealt significant blows to both Iran and Hezbollah, portraying the current conflict as a turning point that is reshaping regional dynamics and strengthening Israel’s strategic position.

“We are crushing Iran and Hezbollah,” Netanyahu declared, adding, “We are becoming a regional power. Our roar is growing louder. We have achieved enormous achievements that are changing the balance of power beyond the Middle East.”

Turning specifically to the northern front, Netanyahu said Hezbollah has already felt the impact of Israel’s military actions and warned that further retaliation is inevitable.

“Hezbollah feels the comfort of our arm and will pay a very heavy price for its aggression.”

Asked about the continuing threat posed by Hezbollah and earlier claims that the group had been weakened in prior fighting, Netanyahu explained that although Israel had dealt the organization severe damage, it still retains some remaining capabilities.

“We talked then about 150,000 rockets and missiles, about the destruction of the towers in Tel Aviv, about the eyes of ruins in the rest of the country, and about 15,000 to 20,000 dead. All of this did not materialize because we dealt them a tremendous blow, but that does not mean that they did not have any residual fire left.”

The prime minister said Israel’s strength is steadily increasing while its adversaries grow weaker as the conflict continues.

“Threats come and go, but we are strengthening our power compared to what was here,” the prime minister added. “Tomorrow they will be even weaker – both Iran and Hezbollah. We are changing the Middle East. Both against enemies and against friends. Israel is stronger than ever, the whole world understands that.”

Netanyahu also addressed the recent development in Iran following the assassination of the country’s longtime supreme leader, referring to the appointment of Ali Khamenei’s son as the new leader. He criticized the transition and suggested the Iranian public may soon have an opportunity to challenge the regime.

“We have eliminated the old dictator, and the new dictator, the puppet of the Revolutionary Guards, cannot show his face in public. I say to the people of Iran: The moment is approaching when you can embark on the path of freedom. It is in your hands.”

At the same time, Netanyahu acknowledged that the future of Iran’s leadership is uncertain and said Israel cannot guarantee that the regime will ultimately collapse.

However, he added that he cannot guarantee “that the Iranian regime will collapse, if we join forces, we will repel the enemies time and time again.”

Looking ahead to the continuation of the conflict, Netanyahu hinted that additional military developments may still lie ahead and expressed confidence in Israel’s strategic position.

The Prime Minister promised that “many more surprises are expected in the campaign. We have the upper hand, much more than we expected.”

Netanyahu was also questioned about reports that he had requested a pardon in his criminal trial. Responding to the issue, he sharply criticized the legal proceedings against him.

Netanyahu was asked about the request for a pardon in his trial and replied, “This is a trial that should never have come to pass and was overturned after the terrible things that happened in it were discovered – blackmail with threats, bedbugs and the use of spies, where has such a thing been heard of?”

When asked whether he had asked President Donald Trump to intervene on his behalf regarding a possible pardon, Netanyahu denied making such a request.

“I did not ask Trump for any request regarding the pardon. Trump has the right to speak his mind and he speaks from his heart.”

{Matzav.com}