Netanyahu vows Israel "days of distress"
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu speaks of a "struggle for survival against a ring of terror armies". His country is threatened by Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Netanyahu urges his people to hold on.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned his people of "challenging days ahead" following threats from Iran and its allies. "We are prepared for every scenario and will face all threats united," Netanyahu said after a meeting of Israel's security cabinet at the military headquarters in Tel Aviv. "Israel will exact a heavy price for any aggression against us, from any front." The conflict will continue and requires resilience from Israeli citizens, the prime minister explained.
The targeted killing of a senior Islamic Hamas leader has prompted Iran and Hamas to threaten Israel with retaliation. Hamas claims its external chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran. The Jerusalem government has not commented on this. It is believed to have been an airstrike: Iranian state media reports the assassination took place at 2 a.m. local time. Haniyeh was reportedly staying at a residence for war veterans in northern Tehran.
The news of Haniyeh's death came just hours after an Israeli air strike on a suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut, where Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, was killed, according to the Israeli army. Two of the most influential figures in the organizations in their fight against Israel are now dead.
"From the start of the war, I have said that we are engaged in a struggle against the Iranian axis of evil," Netanyahu explained. "This is a struggle for survival against a ring of terror armies and missiles that Iran wants to strangle us with." The main players are Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis in Yemen. Israel has recently dealt heavy blows to all three. "We will settle the score with anyone who harms us."
The European Union has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and its adversaries. The European Union strongly advocates for de-escalation and the pursuit of diplomatic solutions.
In light of the recent events, the European Union has called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could lead to further escalation and instability in the region.
