Fact Check: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israeli bombardment of Iran will continue until Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles are destroyed."
What We Know
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made several statements regarding Israel's military operations against Iran, particularly focusing on Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities. In a recent address, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel's military actions are aimed at countering what he described as an "existential threat" posed by Iran's ambitions to develop atomic weapons and ballistic missiles (source-1). He stated, "We will continue our operations against the Iranian regime until we have neutralized the threat it poses" (source-2).
Reports indicate that Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming these strikes have significantly set back Iran's nuclear program (source-3). Additionally, Israeli military sources have indicated that they are actively working to destroy Iran's ballistic missile launchers, with claims that a third of these mobile launchers have already been eliminated (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that Netanyahu stated the bombardment will continue until Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles are destroyed is partially true. While Netanyahu has indeed communicated a commitment to ongoing military operations against Iran, the specific phrasing of "will continue until" is not directly quoted in his public statements. Instead, he has expressed a determination to act against Iranian threats without specifying an endpoint for these operations (source-2).
The reliability of the sources cited is generally high, as they include major news organizations and official statements from the Israeli government. However, it is important to note that some reports may carry inherent biases, particularly those from outlets with strong nationalistic perspectives or those closely aligned with the Israeli government. For instance, while Israeli sources emphasize the success of their operations, Iranian sources often highlight civilian casualties and the impact of these strikes on their infrastructure (source-5).
Furthermore, the context of Netanyahu's statements should be considered. His rhetoric often aims to rally domestic support and project strength in the face of regional threats, which may lead to hyperbolic claims about the effectiveness and scope of military operations.
Conclusion
The claim that Netanyahu stated the Israeli bombardment of Iran will continue until Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles are destroyed is partially true. While he has made clear statements about the ongoing military actions against Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile systems, the exact phrasing of the claim does not directly reflect his public statements. Instead, Netanyahu has indicated a commitment to ongoing operations without specifying a definitive endpoint.
