Netanyahu vows escalation: 'We continue to strike Iran with force'

Netanyahu vows stronger strikes amid escalation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel is continuing its intensive strikes on Iran and vowed to escalate operations against Hezbollah, as hostilities across the Middle East enter a fourth day.

"We continue to strike Iran with force. Our pilots are over the skies of Iran and Tehran, and also over the skies of Lebanon. Hezbollah made a very big mistake when it attacked us. We have already responded forcefully, and we will respond with even greater force," he said.

He made the remarks at an air force base in central Israel, according to a statement issued by his office.

The latest escalation follows comments Netanyahu made on Monday about the broader campaign. He said the US–Israeli war against Iran may take “some time” but would not drag on for years.

The military action began on Saturday with strikes on Tehran that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, triggering retaliatory responses from Iran, including missile attacks targeting Israel and Arab states hosting US bases across the region.

President Donald Trump initially suggested the conflict could last four to five weeks, while indicating it might continue for longer and defending what he described as an open-ended approach to pressure Tehran.

Netanyahu dismissed suggestions that the confrontation could stretch on for years, rejecting comparisons with prolonged regional wars.

"I said it could be quick and decisive. It may take some time, but it's not going to take years. It's not an endless war,"

He told Fox News’ Hannity programme.

The Israeli leader framed the military campaign as part of a wider strategic shift linked to US foreign policy under Trump, marking a departure from the “America First” rhetoric that had previously criticised overseas interventions during the 2024 election campaign.

Netanyahu also portrayed the upheaval as a potential turning point, arguing it could open the door to long-term stability in the Middle East, including possible diplomatic normalisation between Israel and Saudi Arabia.