Netanyahu Warns Iran After Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah’s Death

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a strong warning to Iran following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) precision strike. Netanyahu made it clear that any attempt to harm Israel would be met with severe retaliation, emphasizing that no location in Iran or the Middle East is beyond Israel’s reach.

In his statement, Netanyahu declared, “If someone rises up to kill you, kill him first. Yesterday, the State of Israel eliminated the arch-terrorist Hassan Nasrallah.” He added that Nasrallah was responsible for the deaths of countless Israelis and nationals of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French citizens.

Netanyahu described Nasrallah as the primary force behind Iran’s “axis of evil,” stating, “Nasrallah wasn’t just another terrorist—he was the terrorist, the key figure in Iran’s destructive plans against Israel.” He stressed that Nasrallah had not only been directed by Iran but had also actively influenced Iranian operations in the region.

The Prime Minister extended his message to those opposing Iran’s influence, offering solidarity: “To all who resist the axis of evil, whether in Lebanon, Syria, Iran, or elsewhere, Israel stands with you.” He also sent a clear warning to Iran’s regime: “There is no place in Iran or the Middle East that Israel’s long arm cannot reach.”

Netanyahu underscored that Nasrallah’s elimination was pivotal in achieving Israel’s strategic goals, including the safe return of its northern residents and a long-term shift in the regional balance of power. He noted that as long as Nasrallah lived, Hezbollah’s strength could quickly be restored, but his death marked significant progress toward securing the region and recovering Israeli hostages.

Expressing his gratitude to the country’s defense forces, Netanyahu praised the IDF, the Air Force, Mossad, and intelligence services for their success in the mission. He reaffirmed Israel’s unwavering commitment to protecting its citizens, securing the return of hostages, and maintaining national security.

The IDF had confirmed Nasrallah’s death the day before, stating that the Hezbollah leader was killed during airstrikes on Hezbollah’s headquarters in the southern Beirut suburbs. The operation targeted Nasrallah’s underground base, which was hidden beneath residential areas, marking the end of his terror reign, according to the IDF.