'Iran No Longer Threat To Israel's Existence,' Says Benjamin Netanyahu As West Asia War Enters 5th Week

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Iran no longer poses an existential threat to Israel, citing what he described as major military and strategic gains over the past month of fighting.

In a recorded statement released ahead of the Passover holiday, Netanyahu said Israel has achieved enormous accomplishments in its ongoing campaign against Iran and its regional allies. He also acknowledged the human cost of the conflict, including the deaths of four Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon a day earlier.

“On this holiday of freedom, Israel is stronger than ever. Iran can no longer threaten our existence,” Netanyahu said. His remarks come as hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed groups enter their fifth week, with continued exchanges of fire across multiple fronts in the region.

Netanyahu said that Israel, in coordination with the United States, has carried out a series of strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile capabilities and proxy forces. He claimed these operations have significantly weakened Tehran’s military capacity.

Israel's '10 Blows' To 'Axis Of Evil'

Drawing a comparison to the biblical plagues referenced during Passover, Netanyahu described the campaign as delivering '10 blows' to what he called an 'axis of evil.' These included operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon, groups in the West Bank, Houthis in Yemen and multiple strikes within Iran itself.

He said the operations targeted nuclear infrastructure, missile production facilities, regime institutions and security forces, as well as senior officials and scientists. According to Netanyahu, Iran’s long-term military investments, estimated by him at nearly USD 1 trillion, have been severely undermined.

The Israeli leader described the outcome as a strategic reversal, claiming that while Iran had previously sought to strangle Israel, the balance of pressure has now shifted. “Today we are the ones applying pressure,” he said, adding that Iran’s leadership is now weaker than before.

Netanyahu also said the campaign has increased global awareness of what he described as the threat posed by Iran, and highlighted what he called unprecedented military coordination with the United States. He added that Israel is working to build new regional alliances, though he did not elaborate.

He further claimed that Israeli strikes, combined with internal unrest, have destabilised Iran’s leadership, suggesting the regime could face long-term consequences. Outlining additional outcomes, Netanyahu said Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles has been degraded, including efforts to prevent such capabilities from being moved underground and out of reach.

He also pointed to the resilience of Israeli society and the economy during the conflict, stating that both have continued to function despite ongoing hostilities. Netanyahu credited citizens and soldiers for sustaining the campaign.

At the same time, he criticised political opponents and sections of the media, accusing them of undermining national morale during a period of conflict. Reiterating that operations would continue, Netanyahu said Israel remains committed to targeting Iran and allied groups until its strategic objectives are achieved, including weakening hostile forces and securing its borders.