Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday called on world leaders to align with Israel and the United States in confronting Iran, saying recent missile strikes on Israeli territory show that Tehran poses a threat far beyond the region.
Speaking from Arad in southern Israel, where one of the attacks landed, Netanyahu said the past 48 hours had offered clear proof that Iran’s actions endanger civilians, religious landmarks and critical global routes.
Netanyahu Says Iran Threatens Civilians And Holy Sites
Addressing reporters at the site of the missile strike in Arad, Netanyahu accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilian populations and areas near some of Jerusalem’s most significant religious sites. He said the strikes underscored the scale of the threat posed by Tehran.
“If you want proof that Iran endangers the entire world, the last 48 hours have given it. In the last 48 hours, Iran targeted a civilian area. They’re doing that as a mass murder weapon. Luckily, no one was killed, but that’s due to luck, not their intention. Their intention is to murder civilians,” Netanyahu said.
He further alleged that Iranian missiles were fired close to key holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“Second, they fired on Jerusalem right next to the holy sites of the three monotheistic faiths, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. And by dint of a miracle, again, none of them were hurt, but they were targeting the holy sites of the three major monotheistic religions,” he added.
Israeli PM Links Iran’s Actions To Wider Global Security Concerns
Netanyahu also argued that Iran’s military actions were not limited to Israel, claiming the country had shown it could threaten broader international interests through long-range missile capabilities and pressure on vital transport and energy routes.
“They are putting everyone in their sights, and fourth, they’re stopping a maritime international route and energy route and trying to blackmail the entire world,” the Israeli PM said.
He then called for stronger international alignment against Tehran, saying Israel and the United States were already acting together and urging other nations to follow suit.
“What more proof do you need that this regime that threatens the entire world has to be stopped? Israel and the United States are working together for the entire world. And it’s time to see the leaders of the rest of the countries join up. I’m happy to say that I can see some of them beginning to move in that direction, but more is needed,” he added.
Netanyahu Backs Trump’s Call For Broader International Response
The Israeli Prime Minister also endorsed US President Donald Trump’s appeal for global action against Iran, framing it as a matter of international safety rather than a conflict limited to Israel and the United States.
“President Trump’s call to have the international community confront this fanatic terrorist regime of zealots is a call not only for the security of America and the security of Israel; it’s for the security of the entire world,” Netanyahu said, adding, “It’s time for them to act.”
Over 100 Injured In Arad And Dimona After Missile Strikes
The remarks came a day after Iran launched missile attacks on the southern Israeli cities of Arad and Dimona. According to Israeli authorities, the strikes hit civilian areas and infrastructure, injuring large numbers of people and causing major destruction.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said more than 80 people were injured in Arad alone after a missile strike hit the city, which it alleged was directly targeted by Iran. Across both Arad and Dimona, officials said more than 100 people, including children, were hurt after ballistic missiles struck residential neighbourhoods, damaging homes and straining emergency response teams.
In a post on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry stated, “The Iranian regime devastated Arad and Dimona by deliberately striking civilians with missiles. Over 100 people were injured, including children. A blatant war crime. Pure terrorism.”
Emergency crews reportedly worked through the night to rescue residents, clear rubble and assist the injured. Hospitals in the area treated dozens of civilians suffering from shrapnel injuries, fractures and trauma, with several said to be in serious condition.
Netanyahu described the attack as “a difficult moment in the battle for the future” and said Israel would respond in a way that safeguards its national security.
The missile barrage came after Iran said it was retaliating for a strike on its Natanz nuclear facility, which Tehran blamed on a joint US-Israeli operation. Israel has denied involvement in that strike. Iranian military officials maintained that their missiles were aimed at strategic targets, though they did not deny that towns had been hit.