Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday confirmed that Israel, alongside the United States, has launched a major military operation against Iran, declaring the start of what he called “Operation Lion’s Roar.”

In a televised address to the nation, Netanyahu said the joint action was aimed at removing what he described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran’s ruling regime.

“My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, just an hour ago, Israel and the United States embarked on an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran,” he said.

Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his support, calling his leadership “historic.” He accused Iran’s leadership, headed by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, of decades of hostility toward Israel and the United States, and warned that the regime must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.

“This murderous terrorist regime must not be allowed to arm itself with nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity,” Netanyahu said.

He framed the operation as not only a security measure for Israel but also as a moment of opportunity for the Iranian people. Addressing various communities within Iran- including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Baloch, and Ahwazis, Netanyahu said the time had come to “cast off the yoke of tyranny.”

The prime minister also urged Israelis to strictly follow safety instructions issued by the Israel Home Front Command, cautioning that the coming days would test the nation’s resilience.

“Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will ensure the eternity of Israel,” he concluded.