‘We’re going after them personally’: Netanyahu hardens Iran stance, signals joint action with Trump amid Hormuz crisis

Netanyahu escalates rhetoric after Arad missile strike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his rhetoric against Tehran after an Iranian missile struck the southern town of Arad, wounding dozens and causing significant damage to several buildings.

Describing the aftermath, Netanyahu said it was a “miracle” that no lives were lost, while stressing that casualties could have been avoided entirely had residents moved swiftly to shelters. He urged Israelis to strictly follow siren warnings and seek immediate cover.

Standing amid the wreckage, Netanyahu framed the attack as part of a broader global threat posed by Iran, pointing to strikes on Israeli cities, areas near Jerusalem’s holy sites, and even towards a UK military base in the Indian Ocean, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. “Israel and the United States are working together for the entire world,” Netanyahu said, calling on other nations to step up support. “It’s time to see the leaders of the rest of the countries join us.” He added that some countries are “beginning to move in that direction”, but insisted more must follow.

At the same time, Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran’s leadership, vowing to directly target the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. “We're going after the regime. We're going after the IRGC, this criminal gang,” he said. “We're going after them personally, their leaders, their installations, their economic assets. We're going after them personally.”

His comments come as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz, with US President Donald Trump threatening strikes on Iran’s power infrastructure if the vital shipping lane is not reopened. Asked whether Israel would join such action, Netanyahu struck a cautious tone, emphasising close coordination with Washington. “I think President Trump knows exactly what he’s doing. And whatever we do we do together and as far as possible in confidence,” he said.