Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on 8/4 that the nation stands ready to resume conflict with Iran if necessary, emphasizing that a recent ceasefire is merely a phase in achieving its full objectives. "We are prepared to return to fighting whenever needed. Our fingers remain on the trigger," Netanyahu stated on television. He added that Israel would fulfill its unachieved goals "either through an agreement or by resuming military action."

Netanyahu's comments followed a two-week ceasefire agreement announced by the US and Iran. The Prime Minister also refuted accusations from opposition leaders, who claimed he agreed to the truce before Israel achieved its war objectives. Netanyahu clarified, "The agreement between the US and Iran is in effect, with full coordination with Israel, and we were not merely informed at the last minute." He further remarked, "Iran entered the ceasefire phase weaker than ever."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his speech on 8/4. Photo: Times of Israel

Previously, Yair Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, labeled the ceasefire a "diplomatic disaster" for Israel, asserting that Prime Minister Netanyahu "failed" to meet his stated objectives.

Netanyahu enumerated the campaign's successes against Iran, including destroying missile depots and production facilities, inflicting severe damage on Tehran's nuclear program, and crippling the weapon production and financial networks of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The Israeli leader also noted that the operation targeted Iranian steel plants, petrochemical complexes, and transportation infrastructure. He praised cooperation with the US in the conflict, stating, "Together, we launched the largest and most historic campaign the Middle East has ever witnessed."

Smoke rising in Beirut, Lebanon, following Israeli strikes on 8/4. Photo: AP

Separately, Netanyahu affirmed that the campaign against the armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon would continue, clarifying that the ceasefire agreement with Iran did not include this group. "Today, we inflicted the heaviest blow on Hezbollah since the pager attacks, neutralizing 100 targets in 10 minutes, in areas they considered impenetrable," he stated.

On the same day, the Israeli military announced it had executed "the largest coordinated attack since the start of the conflict" across Lebanon. This operation, named "Eternal Darkness," targeted Hezbollah's command and control centers in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in the capital Beirut.

In response, Iran criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire, declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and threatened to withdraw from its agreement with the US. US Vice President JD Vance subsequently warned that Tehran would face severe consequences if the agreement collapsed.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Times of Israel)