Fact Check: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that attacks will continue until Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities are destroyed."
What We Know
On June 12-13, 2025, the Israeli military launched a significant operation against Iranian targets, specifically aimed at its nuclear infrastructure and ballistic missile capabilities. This operation, termed Operation Rising Lion, was publicly justified by Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as necessary to counter the existential threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions (source-1). Netanyahu stated, "We can’t leave these threats for the next generation. If we don’t act now, there will not be another generation" (source-1).
The operation included not only strikes on nuclear sites but also targeted senior Iranian military leaders and aimed to degrade Iran's air defenses (source-1). Following the strikes, Iran retaliated with missile attacks on Israeli cities, indicating a significant escalation in hostilities (source-4).
Netanyahu has been consistent in his stance regarding Iran, emphasizing that military action is essential to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and enhancing its missile capabilities (source-6). He has indicated that the military campaign could extend over a period of weeks until these threats are neutralized (source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Netanyahu has declared attacks will continue until Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities are destroyed is partially true. While Netanyahu has indeed articulated a commitment to countering Iran's nuclear and missile threats, the specifics of his statements suggest a broader context. He has not explicitly stated that attacks will continue indefinitely but has emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive action to prevent future threats (source-1, source-4).
The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high, as they include reputable news organizations and expert analyses. For instance, the Washington Post and CNN are widely recognized for their journalistic integrity. However, it is essential to note that the framing of the situation can vary, with some sources emphasizing the military necessity while others may highlight the geopolitical implications of such actions (source-2).
Conclusion
The verdict on the claim is Partially True. Netanyahu has indeed made statements indicating a commitment to military action against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, framing it as an urgent necessity for Israel's survival. However, the assertion that he has declared attacks will continue indefinitely lacks explicit confirmation in his statements. Instead, his comments reflect a broader strategy aimed at addressing immediate threats while acknowledging the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
Sources
- Israel's Operation Rising Lion and the Right of Self-Defense
- Special Briefing: Israel strikes Iran's nuclear program
- What to Know About Iran's Ballistic Missiles and the Attacks ...
- Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
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