Statement by PM Netanyahu

We have eliminated the tyrant Khamenei and dozens of senior figures of the oppressive regime. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, set to escalate further in the coming days
March 1, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the roof of the Kirya in Tel Aviv, today (Sunday, 1 March 2026) [translated from Hebrew]:

"I have just finished a meeting with the Minister of Defense, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the Director of the Mossad. I have given instructions for the continuation of the campaign. Yesterday, we eliminated the tyrant Khamenei. Along with him, we eliminated dozens of senior figures of the oppressive regime. Our forces are now striking at the heart of Tehran with increasing intensity, and this will only continue to escalate further over the coming days.

And yet, these are painful days. Yesterday here, in Tel Aviv, and now in Beit Shemesh, we lost dear people. My heart goes out to the families, and on behalf of all of you, citizens of Israel, I send my wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

We are in a campaign in which we are bringing the full strength of the IDF to the battle, as never before, in order to ensure our existence and our future. But we are also bringing to this campaign the assistance of the United States, my friend, US President Donald Trump, and the US military. This coalition of forces allows us to do what I have yearned to do for 40 years: smite the terror regime hip and thigh. This is what I promised – and this is what we shall do."