Israeli President: Recent attacks on Iran aim to "change the Middle East"

Israeli President Isaac Herzog confirmed that the recent attacks on Iran aim to "change the Middle East," during his visit to the city of Bat Yam south of Tel Aviv, which was hit by Iranian missile strikes.

He added that these operations "defend not only Israel but global peace as a whole," pointing out that his country "defends itself, the Middle East, and humanity itself."

In a call to the G7 leaders before their meeting in Canada, Herzog called for cooperation with Israel to "remove Iranian nuclear weapons," emphasizing that this is "a necessary step to achieve peace, dialogue, and coexistence in the region."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened Iran with a "heavy price" in response to its targeting of civilians, including women and children. During a visit to the same city, he affirmed that Israel "will achieve the goals of the war and eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat," warning that "the ruthless enemy plans to destroy Israel." He concluded with a striking statement: "We will strike them a double blow, and we will prevail."

Defense Minister Yair Lapid hinted at the possibility of a repeat of the "Beirut scenario," referring to Israeli airstrikes that destroyed large parts of the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital last year. He confirmed that the Israeli army "will target nuclear facilities in Tehran and other cities."

On the other hand, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard promised a response that "will make Israel regret its aggression," while Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi stated that his country's response will be "more decisive and intense" if Israeli attacks continue. He added that the Iranian army has responded so far "strongly and appropriately," considering the United States a "direct partner in Israeli attacks."

This exchange of threats comes amid an unprecedented escalation of regional tensions, after Israel launched a wide-ranging attack last Friday targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, to which Iran responded by launching waves of missiles and drones that resulted in casualties and injuries in Israeli territories.