Katz, Israeli Minister of Defense:

We did not ask anyone for permission to enter Lebanon, and we do not need anyone's permission to stay in Lebanon.

🇮🇱 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"We are not Austria, equipped with F-35 fighter jets.
We are not a country that sits peacefully in Europe.
We are the nation of an ancient people who have returned to their homeland."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
"An attack on Iran is like removing a cancerous tumor from the body.
If you don't remove this cancer, you will die."

Gaza, a few minutes ago.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel:
I think you should pay attention to where we were on October 7th and where we are today.

We are the most powerful superpower in the Middle East. Israel has never been this strong, and Iran has never been this weak.

We are facing challenges, especially this global wave of anti-Semitism that has been following us for thousands of years, but today we are a country, we have an army, and we have the ability to defend ourselves with our own strength.

I am very optimistic about the future.

Two Israeli officials tell the @Jerusalem_Post that the current assessment is that Iran has no interest in drawing Israel into the conflict, which is why it has not launched attacks against Israel.

What could prompt Israel to strike Iran:

1. An Iranian attack on Israel.
2. A U.S. request for Israel to join the operation.

As of now, neither has happened.

Defense Minister Katz: "The IDF is on high alert and ready to resume the campaign, regain air superiority, and carry out Israeli strikes in Iran to remove threats - even if it means doing so for a third time.

If we have to go back, we will go back - with even greater force."

Netanyahu: "The war is not over yet. New challenges emerge, axes fall and axes rise. We are prepared for any scenario."

Defense Minister Katz: "Prepared to strike Iran for the third time – and with greater force than before."

New Attacks by the Powerful Israeli Army on Terrorists in Southern Lebanon

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

I speak with Elon Musk and many others. I am often in contact with them.

And I ask them: "What will the future be like? What will happen? Where are we going?"

Because we must be ahead of all other countries. We exist because we are strong.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: I'm following Argentina in the World Cup. You know why?

Host: Because of Messi?

Bibi Netanyahu: No, before Messi, because of Javier Milei, the President of Argentina. He's a star.

Joint Statement from the Spokesperson of the Israel Defense Forces and the Spokesperson of Shin Bet:

The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet have neutralized a terrorist who entered Israeli territory on October 7th and was involved in the kidnapping of Israeli citizens and their subsequent captivity.

Two days ago (Wednesday), the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet launched an operation in the southern Gaza Strip, targeting this terrorist, identified as Khaled Abusalama, and successfully neutralized him. Abusalama previously served as the commander of a group in Khan Younis.

During the events of October 7th, Abusalama entered Israeli territory and played a role in the kidnapping of Israeli citizens, their transfer to the Gaza Strip, and their detention in the southern Gaza Strip.