Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory.

“My brothers and sisters, citizens of Israel, a short time ago Israel and the United States began an operation to remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran. I thank our great friend, President Donald Trump, for his historic leadership,” Netanyahu said.

According to him, for 47 years “the regime of the ayatollahs has called for ‘Death to Israel,’ ‘Death to America.’”

“It has shed our blood, killed many Americans, and oppressed its own people. This bloodthirsty terrorist regime must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons that would enable it to threaten all of humanity. Our joint actions will create the conditions for the brave Iranian people to take their destiny into their own hands. The time has come for all segments of the Iranian people — Persians, Kurds, Azerbaijanis, Baloch and Ahwazi — to cast off the yoke of tyranny and create a free and peace-seeking Iran,” the Israeli prime minister said.

He urged Israeli citizens to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command.

“In the coming days, during Operation ‘Roar of the Lion,’ all of us will be required to show patience and inner strength. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will secure the eternity of Israel,” he added.