Netanyahu Declares “Historic Victory” After Ceasefire with Iran, Amid Tensions with Trump

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a televised address Tuesday evening, just hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Iran went into effect, marking the end of Operation "Am Kalavi." Netanyahu declared a "historic victory" over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats but acknowledged ongoing challenges, especially in the Gaza Strip.

“In the 12 days of Operation 'Am Kalavi', we achieved a historic victory,” Netanyahu said at the opening of his remarks. “This victory will stand for generations. We have removed two immediate existential threats: nuclear annihilation and a barrage of 20,000 ballistic missiles.”

The prime minister said that decisive Israeli action prevented potential catastrophe. “Had we not acted now, the State of Israel would soon be facing the danger of destruction,” he warned. “But we stood like a lion, and our roar shook Tehran and echoed across the world.”

Netanyahu emphasized the operation’s opening strike, which he said neutralized Iran’s senior military and nuclear leadership. Among the targets reportedly hit were three chiefs of staff, top nuclear scientists, and key facilities including:

• Natanz enrichment plant

• Isfahan conversion facility

• Arak heavy water reactor

He added that U.S. forces, under the direction of President Donald Trump, destroyed the Fordow nuclear facility, while Israel targeted “dozens of facilities, including laboratories and centrifuge production sites.”

“We also struck at the heart of Iran’s nuclear archive,” Netanyahu claimed, “crippling their ability to revive the atomic project. Should they attempt to rebuild, we will act again with the same strength and resolve.”

Final Blow Before Ceasefire

According to Netanyahu, just hours before the ceasefire went into effect, Israel delivered what he described as the “harshest blow” ever suffered by Iran’s regime. He said hundreds of operatives were eliminated in a sweeping aerial strike over Tehran.

“We destroyed Revolutionary Guard bases, Basij command centers, and symbols of Iranian power,” Netanyahu stated. “It was the most powerful strike Iran has seen in 50 years.”

Acknowledging U.S. Role – But Public Tension with Trump

Despite rising tensions earlier in the day with U.S. President Donald Trump, Netanyahu extended gratitude to Washington.

“I thank President Trump and the United States on behalf of the people of Israel for their role in eliminating the nuclear threat,” he said. “The U.S. joining the offensive front is a historic moment. Israel has never had a friend in the White House like Donald Trump.”

However, relations between the two leaders appeared strained earlier Tuesday. Following reports that Iran had launched missiles after the ceasefire began, the IDF vowed to respond — but Trump objected.

Trump: “Don’t Drop the Bombs”

Speaking to reporters before boarding Air Force One for the NATO Summit in the Netherlands, Trump expressed frustration with both sides. “I’m not happy with either side — and especially not with Israel. Both countries violated the ceasefire. I didn’t like the fact that Israel unloaded a magazine after it was announced,” he said.

On his social media platform, Trump warned:

“Don’t drop the bombs. If you do, it’s a serious violation. Bring your pilots home now.”

He added: “Israel needs to calm down. I’ll see if I can make it happen.”

Trump Stops Israeli Strike, Allows “Symbolic” Response

According to sources familiar with the situation, Trump and Netanyahu held a tense phone call Tuesday afternoon, during which the U.S. president reportedly personally blocked an Israeli strike on Tehran. The two ultimately agreed on a symbolic attack targeting an Iranian radar installation.

“All the friendly planes turned back and returned home,” Trump said afterward, emphasizing his efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

Ceasefire Terms and Ongoing Gaza Campaign

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran went into effect at 7:00 AM Tuesday, and the Israeli government formally confirmed the truce by late morning. The government statement emphasized that Israel had successfully “removed a dual immediate existential threat — both in the nuclear field and in the ballistic missile field.”

Despite the ceasefire, Netanyahu stressed that the broader conflict is not over. Referring to the ongoing fighting in Gaza and the hostages still held by Hamas, he said:

“We must defeat Hamas and release all the hostages. We have not stopped for a moment, even during the war, our efforts to bring all of our hostages home. We will not relent in this sacred mission.”