Following the missile attack, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed a message to the regime in Tehran, stating that Iran will pay for its aggression, just as Israel has acted against the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Netanyahu addressed the Iranian missile attack and the attack in Jaffa that resulted in the deaths of seven people at the hands of Palestinian militants.
In his opening remarks, Netanyahu said: "Israeli citizens, I want to extend my condolences to the families of the victims of the heinous attack in Jaffa and wish a full recovery to the wounded. Like the missile attack, there is a guiding and murderous hand behind this attack – it comes from Tehran."
"This evening, Iran attacked Israel again with hundreds of missiles. This attack failed. It was thwarted thanks to Israel's air defense system, which is the most advanced in the world. I commend the IDF for this impressive achievement. It was also thwarted thanks to the vigilance and responsibility you demonstrated – the citizens of Israel. I also thank the United States for its support in our defense efforts."
He stated, "Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it. The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our resolve to retaliate against our enemies. Sinwar and Dagh did not understand this, Nasrallah and Mohsen did not understand this, and there are probably those in Tehran who do not understand this either. They will understand. We will adhere to the principle we have established: whoever attacks us – we will attack them."
"This applies everywhere we are fighting the axis of evil. It applies to Judea and Samaria, to Gaza, to Lebanon, to Yemen, to Syria – and it also applies to Iran. We are fighting the axis of evil everywhere, including our brave soldiers who are currently operating in southern Lebanon and Gaza."
The Prime Minister continued: "Today, more than ever, the forces of light in the world must unite and act together against the dark regime of the Ayatollahs, which is the source of terror and evil in our region. They must stand by Israel. The choice has never been clearer between tyranny and freedom, between blessing and curse."
"On the eve of the New Year, I say to you, citizens of Israel: Israel is on the rise, and the axis of evil is in retreat. We will do whatever it takes to continue this trend, achieve all the goals of the war, foremost among them the return of all our hostages, and ensure our existence and future. Wishing you all a happy and safe year."
