Fact Check: Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced the military operation against Iran as 'Operation Rising Lion' on October 20, 2023, stating it would continue until the Iranian threat to Israel's survival was removed.

Fact Check: "Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced the military operation against Iran as 'Operation Rising Lion' on October 20, 2023, stating it would continue until the Iranian threat to Israel's survival was removed."

What We Know

On October 20, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially announced the launch of a military operation named "Operation Rising Lion." In his statement, he emphasized that the operation was aimed at addressing the Iranian threat to "Israel's very survival" and indicated that the military actions would persist "for as many days as it takes" (BBC, Washington Post, CNN). This operation involved targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, including the elimination of key personnel involved in Iran's military infrastructure (Al Jazeera, Yahoo News).

Analysis

The claim that Netanyahu announced "Operation Rising Lion" on October 20, 2023, is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The BBC, Washington Post, and CNN all report on the operation's launch and its stated objectives, confirming that Netanyahu explicitly linked the operation to the existential threat posed by Iran (BBC, Washington Post, CNN).

The reliability of these sources is generally high, as they are established news organizations with a history of covering international affairs. The BBC and CNN, in particular, have extensive experience in reporting on Middle Eastern conflicts and have correspondents in the region. The Washington Post also provides in-depth analysis and has a strong editorial process, which adds to its credibility.

However, it is important to note that while these sources report on the operation's goals and Netanyahu's statements, the context surrounding the operation is complex. Analysts have pointed out that this military action marks a significant shift in Israel's approach to Iran, moving away from a policy of restraint to a more aggressive stance (Washington Post). This shift is attributed to recent escalations in hostilities and a perceived need to act decisively against what Israel views as an imminent threat.

Conclusion

The claim that Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced "Operation Rising Lion" on October 20, 2023, with the intention to continue until the Iranian threat to Israel's survival was removed, is True. This is supported by multiple credible news sources that report on the operation's launch and its objectives as articulated by Netanyahu.

Sources

1. Watch: Netanyahu says Israel targeted Iran's nuclear and military sites
2. In ordering major attack on Iran, Netanyahu sheds his risk-averse past
3. Israel hits Iran's nuclear program and military leadership
4. What is behind Israel's decision to attack Iran?
5. Israel Launches Operation Rising Lion To Destroy Iran's Nuclear Threat
6. How Israel's Operation Rising Lion Dismantled Iran from Within
7. Day One of Israel's Strikes on Iran: What to Know
8. US appeasement of Iran made Rising Lion inevitable