Fact Check: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the offensive against Iran, called Rising Lion, would continue until Tehran’s nuclear program was comprehensively destroyed.

Fact Check: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the offensive against Iran, called Rising Lion, would continue until Tehran’s nuclear program was comprehensively destroyed."

What We Know

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced the launch of a military operation named "Rising Lion," aimed at targeting Iran's nuclear program and military capabilities. In a video statement, he emphasized that the operation would persist "for as many days as it takes" to eliminate the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions (BBC). Netanyahu specifically mentioned that Israeli forces had targeted Iranian scientists involved in nuclear weapon development, indicating a focused effort to disrupt Iran's nuclear capabilities (CNN).

The operation has been characterized as a significant escalation in Israel's long-standing campaign against Iran's nuclear program, which Israel perceives as an existential threat (Wall Street Journal). Netanyahu's statements reflect a commitment to continue military actions until the Iranian nuclear threat is neutralized (Israel Hayom).

Analysis

The claim that Netanyahu stated the offensive would continue until Tehran's nuclear program is "comprehensively destroyed" is partially true. While he did assert that the military operation would last "for as many days as it takes," he did not explicitly use the phrase "comprehensively destroyed" in his public statements. However, the context of his remarks suggests a strong intent to dismantle Iran's nuclear capabilities thoroughly.

The sources reporting on Netanyahu's statements are generally credible. The BBC and CNN are well-established news organizations with a history of reliable reporting, and their coverage of the situation includes direct quotes from Netanyahu (BBC, CNN). The Wall Street Journal and Israel Hayom also provide context regarding Israel's military objectives and the broader implications of the operation (Wall Street Journal, Israel Hayom).

However, it is essential to note that the interpretation of Netanyahu's statements can vary, and the phrasing used in the claim may not fully capture the nuances of his remarks. The phrase "comprehensively destroyed" implies a definitive end state that may not align with the ongoing nature of military operations, which often evolve based on strategic assessments and geopolitical developments.

Conclusion

The verdict is Partially True. Netanyahu did indicate that the military operation against Iran would continue until the perceived threat is neutralized, but he did not explicitly state that it would continue until Tehran's nuclear program was "comprehensively destroyed." The essence of his message aligns with the claim, but the specific wording used in the claim does not accurately reflect his statements.

Sources

1. Watch: Netanyahu says Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites
2. Israel hits Iran's nuclear program and military leadership
3. Netanyahu Says Operation 'Rising Lion' Will Last 'as Many Days as It Takes'
4. Netanyahu's historic words: This is the real meaning
5. How Israel's campaign to wipe out Iran's nuclear program unfolded
6. Israeli PM Netanyahu Delivers Statement on Strikes Against Iran
7. Netanyahu: 'Israel launched Operation Rising Lion'
8. Israel launches Operation Rising Lion to target Iran's nuclear program