Netanyahu Confirms 'Direct' Engagement with the Islamic Republic: Who Said We Won't Attack Iran?

According to Israeli media, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, responded on Thursday, January 18, to a reporter who asked him, "Why does Israel limit itself to attacking the Islamic Republic's proxy forces instead of directly attacking Iran?" by saying, "Who says we won't attack Iran? We are directly attacking Iran." Netanyahu added, "[The Islamic Republic] is the head of the octopus. What do you think Iran wants to do throughout the Middle East? It wants to control it and cause its collapse." The Islamic Republic has repeatedly accused Israel of carrying out deadly attacks against scientists and nuclear facilities within Iran, but Israel does not comment on such operations. Earlier, David Barnea, the head of Mossad, stated on Sunday, September 10, at an international counter-terrorism conference at Reichman University in Israel that his country is ready to attack the "heart of Tehran" to track down dozens of Islamic Republic agents attempting to target Israeli and Jewish interests worldwide. He said, "Our message is loud, clear, and decisive: make no mistake, those who decided to send their agents should be assured that we will find you and deliver justice. This has been proven in the past and we will do it at a higher level in the future." Barnea further stated, "The price for that will be determined deep in Iran, in the heart of Tehran." Hamas militants killed at least 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in a terrorist attack on southern Israel on October 7, and took about 240 hostages, including children, women, and the elderly, to Gaza. The United States, Britain, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. The hundredth day of the war in Gaza; Netanyahu says no one can stop Israel. Live blog | Israeli forces attack the 'Central Kitchen of the World' convoy in Gaza; 7 killed. France: The European Union will impose new sanctions against Hamas. Israeli forces are advancing in Khan Younis. Benjamin Netanyahu says, "We are fighting Hamas terrorists, not Palestinians."