STORY: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran launched on Saturday (February 28) "will allow the brave Iranian people to rid themselves of the burden of this murderous regime."

In a video statement released shortly after the attack on Iran started, Netanyahu said that the joint campaign, called in Israel 'Operation Roaring Lion,' was meant to remove the threat to both Israel and the U.S., posed by the regime in Teheran.

The attack is plunging the Middle East into a new conflict that President Donald Trump said would end a security threat to the United States and offer Iranians a chance to topple their rulers.

Iran launched missiles towards Israel, Israel's military said, and the Pentagon said the U.S. strikes against Iran were named "OPERATION EPIC FURY."

The renewed confrontation between Iran and its long-time foes threatened to further dim hopes for a diplomatic solution to Tehran's nuclear dispute with the West.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: UNKNOWN LOCATION (RELEASED FEBRUARY 28, 2026) (ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE - Access all) (HEBREW SUBTITLES AS IN ORIGINAL)

1. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"A short while ago, Israel and the United States embarked on a joint campaign, Operation Roaring Lion. The goal of the operation is to end the threat posed by the Ayatollah's regime in Iran."

2. WHITE FLASH

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Hebrew) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"Together with the United States we will strike the terror regime harshly. We will create the conditions that will allow the brave Iranian people to rid themselves of the burden of this murderous regime.'

4. WHITE FLASH

5. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER BENJAMIN NETANYAHU SAYING:

"This is your chance to establish a new and free Iran. Take your fate into your own hands. Raise your head, lift your eyes to the sky: Our forces are there, pilots of the free world. Everyone is coming to your aid. (English) Help has arrived. (Hebrew) And I believe the day is near when Israel and free Iran will hold hands in favour of security and peace, in favour of progress and prosperity."