Gideon Sa'ar: Operation Rising Lion "historic, corageous"

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar released a statement today (Friday) praising the cabinet's decision to launch Operation Rising Lion to destroy Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities:

"The security cabinet made a historic, courageous, and reality-bound decision last night to remove the threat of destruction from Israel. In such situations, decision-makers are obligated to ask themselves not only what will be the achievements and costs of military action, but also what will be the cost of inaction. In this case: placing Israel in danger of destruction.

"Already on October 8, 2023, the day after the terrible massacre, I wrote: Yesterday was the first day of Iran's war against Israel.

"I am proud that during this historic period for the State of Israel, I had the privilege and the strength to make a patriotic decision and join the government led by Benjamin Netanyahu and take an active and central part in fateful decisions. I knew I would pay personal prices for this. This has no importance in my eyes, compared to what is at stake. It is not impossible that if we, my colleagues and I, had not strengthened the government and the state during the most difficult war since the War of Independence, things would have developed completely differently and Israel would not have been able to focus on the campaign against its enemies as required in this period.

"I commend Prime Minister Netanyahu on the difficult decision he led, while navigating determinedly politically and security-wise in the most complex reality.

"In recent hours I have been focusing on dialogue with foreign ministers from around the world, in which I detail the cabinet's decision and its reasons and the IDF's activities. This, alongside directing Foreign Ministry personnel, Israeli ambassadors and representatives around the world on aspects related to our advocacy activities. During the day I have already spoken with the foreign ministers of India, Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, Paraguay, Panama, Cyprus and the European Union. This, alongside the important consultations in which I am taking part.

"We already have significant achievements in the IDF's bold and impressive activity in Iran. They must be deepened. I bless the IDF commanders and soldiers with wishes of success and that they return from their missions safely, God willing.

"I ask everyone - strictly observe the Home Front Command's instructions. They save lives.

"Shabbat Shalom to all the house of Israel."