Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke for the first time after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Describing Nasrallah as a “murderer” responsible for the killing of numerous Israeli, American and French citizens and “the main engine of Iran’s axis of evil,” who is “the architects of the plan to destroy Israel,” the Israeli leader said that his killing was essential for Israel to achieve its goals. Noting that he understood at the beginning of the week that the Israeli army’s attacks would not be enough, Netanyahu said, “As long as Nasrallah is alive, Hezbollah’s capabilities could be rapidly rehabilitated. I gave the order and Nasrallah is no longer with us.” He also said that the killing of Nasrallah was a necessary move for the return of captivated Israelis.

Netanyahu also referred to Iran with threats, saying, “We will attack those who attack us. There is no place in Iran or the Middle East that Israel’s long arm cannot reach, and you know how true that is today.”