Operation 'Rising Lion': Targeted op. to neutralize 'immediate existential threat' - Herzog
Israeli politicians react to Israel's airstrikes on Iran as part of Operation "Rising Lion."
President Isaac Herzog and a series of leading ministers and Members of Knesset from the coalition and opposition commented on Friday morning on Israel's strike against Iran as part of Operation "Rising Lion."
"Last night, Israel launched a targeted operation to neutralize an immediate and existential threat to our people " Herzog wrote on X.
"The international community has seen how over the last decades, the Iranian regime—at the helm of a global terror empire—has continued to radicalize and destabilize the region with its proxies, while working relentlessly to advance its military nuclear capabilities, and expand its ballistic missile arsenal.
"Iran’s leaders have made no secret of their openly repeated intention to annihilate the State of Israel. For years, the regime has prepared to turn that vision into reality."
"Israel has the inherent right and the solemn duty to defend itself—and will always do so with determination and clarity. We sincerely hope that this will change the trajectory of our region towards a more peaceful and prosperous future," Herzog concluded.
"We are acting to eliminate an existential threat posed by the antisemitic Ayatollah regime, which openly calls for our destruction and is actively working toward that goal.
"Many months of intensive and professional preparation by the IDF and other security agencies culminated last night. I would like to thank the Chief of Staff and all those involved for their determination and professionalism.
"Citizens of Israel, we will all need to show resolve and endurance in the coming days. I urge you to strictly follow the Home Front Command's guidelines — they save lives.
"The Ministry of Finance is prepared to support the war effort on both the front and home front, to ensure maximum continuity of the economy and financial systems.
"He crouched, he lay down like a lion; and like a lioness, who shall rouse him?" In the name of God we will act, and with God’s help we will succeed," Smotrich concluded, quoting the bible verse from Book of Numbers 24:9.
"At this very hour, the Israel Defense Forces and security forces are acting to ensure that generations to come will continue to live as a free people in our land," Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana wrote on X.
"On behalf of the Knesset, which represents all the citizens of Israel, I send them a message of strength and encouragement, and I pray for their safe, healthy, and complete return home," he added.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid remained updated ahead of Operation 'Rising Lions'
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid updated that he had been briefed ahead of the operation "through the appropriate channels.""Lapid commends the security forces and expresses his support for their actions to safeguard the security of Israel's citizens," his office said.
"A strong nation, a determined army, and a resilient home front. That’s how we have always won, and that’s how we will win again today," Democrats chairman MK Yair Golan wrote on X.
"I send my support to the pilots, fighters, commanders, and all IDF soldiers who are acting with determination and devotion for our security.
"Civilian resilience on the home front is no less important than the strength at the front line – follow the guidelines of the Home Front Command."
"The IDF will know how to complete its mission. We will know how to stand firmly behind it," Golan concluded.
Members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee were not updated ahead of time regarding the attack, The Jerusalem Post learned.
