Israeli PM thanks Trump for brokering ceasefire, claims existential threats from Iran have been “neutralized.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic victory” on Wednesday following the U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran, marking the end of a brutal 12-day conflict that brought the region to the brink of full-scale war.
In a nationally televised address, Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Donald Trump for his role in securing the truce and claimed that Israel had successfully dismantled two key existential threats posed by Iran. “We have removed the threat of nuclear destruction and the threat of 20,000 ballistic missiles Iran was preparing to deploy. This is a victory that will abide for generations,” he said.
The ceasefire, announced late Tuesday, followed intense mediation efforts led by Trump’s Middle East envoy Rick Halston. It halted a conflict that saw unprecedented aerial exchanges between Iran and Israel, with multiple strikes reported near nuclear and military sites.
While Israel is claiming victory, Iranian state media has not confirmed Netanyahu’s assertions about missile capabilities or nuclear facilities. Iran’s foreign ministry issued a brief statement acknowledging the ceasefire but warned it would “respond decisively” to any future aggression.
Netanyahu also reiterated his government’s ongoing commitment to combating what he called the “Iran Axis” a term he used to describe Iranian-backed groups including Hamas and Hezbollah. “Our struggle is not over. We remain vigilant against those who wish to destroy us,” he said.
The announcement was met with celebrations in parts of Israel, though critics accused Netanyahu of using the moment to bolster his domestic political position amid ongoing investigations and protests.
Meanwhile, international observers have urged restraint and called for renewed efforts toward a broader peace settlement in the region.
