section_path: Background/Announcement
section_name: Announcement
paragraph_text: Announcement
  
  Netanyahu announced the launch of Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's main enrichment facility in Natanz, its nuclear scientists, and parts of its ballistic missile program. Netanyahu described Iran's nuclear efforts as "a clear and present danger to Israel's very survival", and emphasized that in acting, "we also defend our Arab neighbors" from Iranian aggression. He said the operation would continue "for as many days as it takes".
  
  In a speech announcing the attack, Netanyahu stated, "For decades, the leaders of Tehran have openly called for Israel's destruction. They have backed up their genocidal rhetoric with a nuclear weapons program". Netanyahu also stated that Israel attacked because "if not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time. It could be a year. It could be within a few months, less than a year." Following the attack, Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's war was against Iran's government and not its people. Netanyahu convened the security cabinet as the situation unfolded.