Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used a Rosh Hashana toast at Sunday’s Cabinet meeting to deliver a forceful warning to Iran and Israel’s other enemies, declaring that Israel remains committed to completing its military objectives and will respond overwhelmingly to any renewed attack.

Speaking at the start of the Jewish New Year, Netanyahu said Israel enters the year in a stronger position than it has been in the past, crediting the government’s decisions, the bravery of IDF troops and Israel’s international standing.

He said Israel, working alongside the United States, had succeeded in removing what he described as an existential Iranian threat by destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile arsenal while severely damaging Tehran’s regional network of allies and proxies.

Netanyahu warned that Iran understands the consequences of launching another attack against Israel.

“If Iran makes the mistake of attacking Israel, it will sustain a blow like it has never imagined,” he said, adding that Tehran is currently avoiding such a confrontation because it knows what the response would be.

The prime minister also issued a broader warning to Israel’s enemies, declaring, “Don’t mess with us,” while describing Israel as the strongest power in the Middle East.

Netanyahu praised Israeli security forces for continuing operations against terrorists in Lebanon, Gaza and Judea and Samaria, saying troops and intelligence personnel are working around the clock to eliminate threats.

But despite the military gains, Netanyahu stressed that the conflict is not yet over. He identified the removal of Iran’s current regime as the central remaining objective, describing the government in Tehran as weakened, unstable and struggling for its survival.

According to Netanyahu, the collapse of the Iranian regime would have consequences extending far beyond the current conflict, potentially reshaping the Middle East and representing a major turning point in Jewish history.

He concluded his remarks with a Rosh Hashana message, wishing Israelis a new year filled with greater security, strength and blessings than ever before.

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— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 3, 2026