From Yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Address:
The war will not end until all its objectives are achieved. I am proud of the residents of the north and their resilience. We have made significant progress that has garnered admiration worldwide. We have destroyed key components of Iran’s defense system, dismantled missile production facilities, and eliminated a crucial element of its nuclear program. I am resolutely determined not to allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons — this is my primary mission.
Our achievements span seven fronts. In Gaza, we have eliminated 20,000 militants, defeated Hamas battalions, freed 154 hostages, and remain committed to rescuing our remaining hostages and completing the destruction of Hamas. In Judea and Samaria, hundreds of militants have been eliminated. In Yemen, we have struck Houthi bases, specifically targeting the port of Hodeidah. In Iraq, numerous drone attacks have been thwarted. In Syria, we are preventing the transfer of weapons to Lebanon, and Assad must understand that he is playing with fire. In Lebanon, Hezbollah has been pushed back decades; its leader and leadership have been eliminated, offensive infrastructure near our border destroyed, missile production facilities dismantled, and dozens of terror towers in the Dahieh area of Beirut demolished.
Regarding the ceasefire, its duration depends on the situation in Lebanon. Israel maintains full freedom of military action. If there are attempts to restore terrorist infrastructure, launch a rocket, or transport a missile system, we will attack. Any violation of the ceasefire will receive a strong response. We are obligated and fully determined to achieve victory.“
My Commentary on the Prime Minister’s Speech:
According to Netanyahu, the reasons for the ceasefire are to focus on Iran, rejuvenate our fighters by restoring resources, and isolate Hamas. Increasing pressure on the remaining unsupported faction will help free the hostages.
Over the past year, as the Prime Minister stated, Israel has completely turned the tide, delivering a powerful response to its enemies on seven fronts. The current task is to, with divine assistance, strengthen security, revitalize the north, and achieve a final victory.
The central question remains: Is Israel truly prepared to attack every missile installation, every attempt to restore infrastructure, and any strengthening of Hezbollah as Netanyahu claimed? This question ties into whether the agreement with the outgoing hostile U.S. administration, which is set to leave in two months, regarding the ceasefire in Lebanon has been a success or a failure.
Unfortunately, I doubt that Israel will be able to attack in every instance. I fear that the international „monitoring and control mechanism“ mentioned in the agreement, where Israel would have to report violations and demand international actions, will hinder Israel’s ability to act swiftly, potentially delaying or even preventing our attacks on Lebanese territory.
Most likely, Israel will only be free to attack in cases of immediate threat. How will we behave in this situation?
On the other hand, it is important to note that despite strong international pressure and sabotage from the general staff, Netanyahu managed to push through the decision to liberate Rafah and cut off the Gaza Strip—specifically, Hamas—from receiving weapons supplies from Egypt. Notably, he mentioned this in his speech.
Thus, the success or failure of the agreement depends on whether we can and will truly and severely curtail every provocation by Hezbollah. For the first time, Netanyahu sharply and publicly warned the President of Syria. This is linked to the understanding that Syria is a key link between Iran and Hezbollah, especially regarding the supply of weapons. Clearly, preventing the resurgence of Hezbollah requires stopping Syrian activities in this area.
Netanyahu also emphasized that Israel has destroyed a significant element of Iran’s nuclear program. Previously, many doubted this claim, but, thanks to G-d, as has been repeatedly confirmed, the targeted facility in Fordo was indeed used for developing a warhead. Now, part of it has been destroyed.
Overall, Netanyahu’s speech is a clear signal to Iran: Israel is ready to attack you again, and preventing you from creating nuclear weapons is a priority task for our government.