JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on Iranians Friday to unite against what he described as an 鈥渆vil and oppressive regime,鈥� telling them Israel was engaged in 鈥渙ne of the greatest military operations in history.鈥�
鈥淭he time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime,鈥� Netanyahu said in a video statement after Israel struck over 200 military and nuclear sites in the Islamic republic.
鈥淲e are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion,鈥� he added.
鈥淎s we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,鈥� he said, referring to Israeli strikes that hit targets across Iran, including nuclear sites, killing several top military commanders and nuclear scientists.
鈥淭he regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker,鈥� Netanyahu said in his video published shortly after a salvo of Iranian missiles reached Israel.
鈥淥ur fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you,鈥� he said, adding: 鈥淭his is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.鈥�
Netanyahu also promised that 鈥渕ore is on the way,鈥� having said earlier that Israel鈥檚 attack on Iran would 鈥渃ontinue for as many days as it takes.鈥�
Iran called the attack 鈥渁 declaration of war鈥� and threatened to retaliate by opening 鈥渢he gates of hell鈥� on Israel.
It first sent about 100 drones toward Israel, many of which were intercepted before reaching the country.
The drones were followed by dozens of missiles, some of which caused physical damage in Israeli cities, and injured at least seven people, according to first responders.