JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his government’s recent military operations targeting Iran and the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, asserting that these forces no longer pose a significant threat to Israel due to sustained Israeli action.
Netanyahu made the remarks on Sunday during a visit to the IDF Northern Command, accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The visit highlighted Israel’s ongoing military readiness and the continued implementation of what the Prime Minister described as a “multi-arena campaign.”
“Iran is not the same Iran, Hezbollah is not the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is not the same Hamas,” Netanyahu told military personnel and reporters. He characterized the groups as weakened and struggling to survive in the face of Israel’s intensified operations.
The Prime Minister praised the leadership of Israeli military commanders, crediting their strategy for what he described as significant accomplishments. Netanyahu emphasized that both defensive and offensive operations have been intensified to prevent attacks and maintain security across Israel.
According to Netanyahu, the use of “immense force” has yielded visible results, particularly in the disruption of leadership structures in Tehran. He cited the 2024 killing of former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as a milestone in reducing the militant group’s operational capability.
“We eliminated Nasrallah and thousands of Hezbollah fighters. We also neutralized a major threat of about 150,000 missiles and rockets intended to target Israeli cities,” Netanyahu stated. However, he acknowledged that Hezbollah still retains some capacity to launch rocket attacks, adding that discussions with military leaders continue on strategies to fully eliminate remaining threats.
Israeli media reports indicate that the government is exploring the possibility of inviting the United States to relocate some of its Middle East military bases to Israel, as well as establishing new ones following the conflict. The move would represent a significant realignment of US military assets in the region and could further consolidate Israel’s strategic position.
While Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s military successes, his remarks have sparked criticism internationally. European and North American leaders have voiced concerns over Israel’s reported restrictions on religious activities in Jerusalem.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned Israel for allegedly preventing Catholics from observing Palm Sunday in the city, calling the move an “unjustified attack on religious freedom.” He urged Israel to respect diversity of beliefs and adhere to international law governing access to holy sites.
Similarly, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the reported decision, describing it as a violation of the longstanding status quo governing Jerusalem’s holy sites. “People of all faiths should be able to worship freely without fear,” Carney stated, emphasizing the need to maintain religious tolerance amid regional tensions.
Netanyahu’s statements and the international responses underscore the complex interplay between Israel’s military operations and global scrutiny over human rights and religious freedoms. Analysts say the remarks signal Israel’s intent to assert military dominance while managing diplomatic pressures from international partners.
As the conflict with Iran and its allied groups continues, Israel remains focused on consolidating its strategic gains, preventing retaliatory attacks, and maintaining security across its northern and southern borders. The government’s actions, combined with proposed changes in US military presence, suggest a long-term plan to strengthen deterrence in the region.
Observers note, however, that ongoing criticism from European and North American governments reflects growing concerns over the broader humanitarian and religious implications of Israel’s security measures. Balancing national security priorities with international obligations remains a key challenge for Netanyahu’s administration.
The Prime Minister concluded his visit by reaffirming Israel’s commitment to neutralizing threats and ensuring the safety of its citizens while emphasizing the role of the IDF in safeguarding the nation amid continued regional instability.
The international community continues to monitor developments closely, with potential diplomatic consequences for Israel depending on how it addresses concerns over religious freedoms, the treatment of civilians, and ongoing military operations.
