Tel Aviv, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on world leaders to push their countries to participate in a joint Israeli-American military campaign against Iran. He also warned of the expanding operational range of Iranian ballistic missiles to include strategic international targets.
During a visit to a site struck by an Iranian missile, Netanyahu highlighted the transnational Iranian threat. He pointed to the recent launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targeting the US military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
Netanyahu stated, “They launched an intercontinental ballistic missile at Diego Garcia; this proves they now possess the technical capability to penetrate deep into Europe and put everyone within their range.”
The Israeli prime minister accused Tehran of attempting to “blackmail the entire world” by targeting energy infrastructure and disrupting international shipping lanes, particularly after closing the vital Strait of Hormuz.
Netanyahu stressed the need for collective action, saying, “It is time for other world leaders to join this international campaign to deter Iranian aggression.” He also revealed that some countries had made initial moves to join, while noting the need for further joint diplomatic and military efforts.
Regarding the nature of Israel’s response to the attacks targeting civilian areas, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel adopts a strategy of “targeting the regime, not the people.” He explained, “We will respond with great force, but our response will not be directed against civilians. We are pursuing the regime and the Revolutionary Guard, this criminal gang; we are targeting their leaders, their military installations, and their vital economic assets, and we are acting decisively to undermine their capabilities.” Netanyahu concluded his remarks by asserting that the Iranian threat is no longer regional but has become a danger to global shipping lanes and the security of the European continent. Therefore, this necessitates a firm international response that will cripple the regime’s ability to continue its “missile blackmail” of the international community.
