Leader statements

“The war is not over. We will resume operations with full force if Hamas violates the agreement. Every hostage will come home. Israel has changed the security equation of the entire Middle East.”

Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public regarding the Gaza ceasefire agreement, describing it as a temporary pause rather than an end to operations, while citing the elimination of Sinwar and the decimation of Hamas leadership.

“We achieved an incredible ceasefire deal. This shows what American strength and leadership can accomplish. Peace through strength -- it is the only way.”

President Trump claimed credit for the Gaza ceasefire deal that was finalized in the final days of the Biden administration, asserting that his election and threats had pressured Hamas into accepting terms.

“All hell will break out in the Middle East if the hostages are not returned before I take office. There will be consequences like nobody has ever seen.”

President-elect Trump issued a warning regarding the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza, making it clear he expected their release before his inauguration on January 20, 2025.

“Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We have settled our account with Nasrallah. Israel's arm is long and its reach extends far.”

Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public after the IDF confirmed the killing of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted airstrike on his underground headquarters in Beirut.

“Iran does not seek war, but we will defend our sovereignty and our allies. Diplomacy remains our preferred path, but no option is off the table.”

President Pezeshkian, who took office after Raisi's death, spoke at the UN General Assembly. He presented a more moderate tone on Iran's foreign policy while maintaining support for the resistance axis.

“I told Prime Minister Netanyahu: you got a win. Take the win. Our advice to Israel is not to escalate further. We do not seek conflict with Iran.”

President Biden publicly urged Israel to exercise restraint after the successful coalition defense against Iran's missile and drone attack, seeking to prevent a further cycle of escalation.

“The evil regime will be punished. Iran's strikes demonstrated that we can and will respond to aggression. The resistance front is patient but it is not passive.”

Khamenei spoke following Iran's Operation True Promise, in which Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel. He framed the attack as a legitimate response to the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

“Iran is behind all the instability and aggression in the region. We will defend ourselves against any threat, from any front, with full force.”

Netanyahu addressed the Knesset after the Iranian ballistic missile and drone attack on Israel in April 2024, vowing a firm response while coordinating with the United States.

“I've directed the US military to respond decisively to the attacks on our forces. If you harm an American, we will respond. We will not tolerate attacks on our people.”

President Biden ordered retaliatory strikes against Iran-backed militia positions in Iraq and Syria after the Tower 22 drone attack that killed three US service members in Jordan.

“October 7th was a 100% Palestinian operation. But we in Hezbollah stand ready. An expanded war is not something we seek, but it is something we do not fear.”

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a major televised address, his first since the October 7 attack, in which he praised Hamas while stopping short of committing Hezbollah to full-scale war.

“The Kingdom calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and rejects the targeting of civilians. A just resolution to the Palestinian question remains the cornerstone of regional stability.”

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman issued a statement through the Saudi Foreign Ministry calling for a ceasefire and emphasizing the need for a two-state solution. The normalization talks between Saudi Arabia and Israel were paused indefinitely.

“If any group or any country is thinking about widening this conflict, my advice is: don't. We maintain the right to defend ourselves, and we will not hesitate to take action.”

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin warned adversaries against expanding the conflict during a press conference at the Pentagon, citing the deployment of two carrier strike groups and additional air defense assets to the region.

“I told the Prime Minister: if the United States experienced what Israel is experiencing, our response would be swift, decisive, and overwhelming. We stand with Israel.”

President Biden addressed the nation from the White House on October 10, 2023, affirming US support for Israel following the October 7 Hamas attack and announcing the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group to the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We kiss the hands of those who planned and carried out this operation. The usurping regime made a mistake. The resistance front will become stronger day by day.”

Supreme Leader Khamenei praised the October 7 Hamas attack in a public address while denying Iran had direct operational involvement in planning the assault.

“What Hamas will experience will be difficult and terrible. We have only begun to strike Hamas. What we will do to our enemies in the coming days will reverberate with them for generations.”

Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the Israeli public after the government declared a formal state of war, announcing Operation Swords of Iron.