In a defiant speech at the opening of the Knesset's winter legislative session, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel has dealt a significant blow to key Iranian military capabilities during its recent airstrikes.

"We severely damaged Iran’s defense systems and its ability to export missiles," Netanyahu stated emphatically. "These were not lathes we were attacking. These are industrial factories of death, and we struck them hard."

The Prime Minister addressed recent reports suggesting that U.S. pressure had led Israel to temper its response following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1. Netanyahu asserted, "We make decisions ourselves according to our interests and considerations," reaffirming Israel's autonomy in military strategy.

Netanyahu outlined a clear and long-term strategy against Iran and its regional proxies, aiming to dismantle what he referred to as the "axis of evil." He emphasized the necessity of cutting off Iran's military resources in both the south and the north, while pledging to impose heavy costs on Tehran and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Addressing the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, Netanyahu expressed confidence about the post-war landscape, stating that the “day after” the war “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza and Hezbollah will not sit on our northern border.” He emphasized his commitment to achieving Israel’s war aims and reiterated the promise to bring all hostages home.

"Total victory is an orderly and consistent work plan that we fulfill step by step," he insisted.

Netanyahu painted a stark picture of the threat posed by Iran, claiming that it is the primary obstacle preventing Tehran from dominating the Middle East. He warned that "the fanatical axis of evil led by Iran threatens to destroy our country and trap other countries in its net, and to threaten the West first of all." He reiterated concerns about Iran's ambitions to develop a nuclear arsenal, suggesting that this capability would allow the regime to threaten global security.

According to Netanyahu, Iran's strategic thinking hinges on the notion that if Israel falls, the entire Middle East would fall under its influence. However, he countered this narrative with conviction: "We will not fall. We will win, and the whole world will be a better place."