“On the Eve of Purim”: Netanyahu Warns Iran of Unimaginable Force

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran on Monday during a “40 signatures” debate in the Knesset, declaring that Israel is preparing for “very complex and challenging days” and vowing a powerful response to any attack. He concluded his remarks with an explicit reference to Purim, a line that quickly drew attention.

The debate focused on what opposition lawmakers titled a “loss of security control inside and outside Israel’s borders.” Netanyahu’s speech lasted approximately six minutes, unusually brief for a forum he often uses for extended exchanges. and ended without explanation for the early conclusion.

“We are in very complex and challenging days. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. We are vigilant and prepared for every scenario,” Netanyahu told lawmakers.

He added that he had personally conveyed a warning to Tehran: “I made it clear to the ayatollah regime that if they make the gravest mistake in their history and attack the State of Israel, we will respond with a force they cannot even imagine.”

Netanyahu ended his speech with a line that immediately stood out: “On the eve of Purim, we will stand together, and with God’s help, we will ensure the eternity of Israel.”

Purim this year begins on the evening of March 2 and concludes the following night. Political and security observers interpreted the timing of the reference as deliberate, though Netanyahu did not outline any operational plans in his remarks.

The speech comes amid visible shifts in the regional security environment. The United States has ordered the departure of non-essential personnel and eligible family members from its embassy in Lebanon, while India and South Korea both issued a warning advising its citizens to avoid travel to Iran.

Separately, the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford has arrived at the U.S. naval facility in Suda Bay, Crete, according to Israeli and international reporting. Local sources cited in Israeli media said the vessel is expected to remain for several days before continuing toward the Gulf region. Israeli media also reported that American refueling and cargo aircraft were spotted at Ben Gurion Airport on Monday. 

An Israeli source quoted on Saudi channel Al-Hadath said threat levels against Israeli missions abroad are “very high,” citing warnings of possible attacks by Iran-linked elements. According to that report, Israel has raised alert levels at embassies in Europe, the Far East and Latin America and is weighing additional security measures.

At the same time, protests have entered their third consecutive day at several universities in Tehran and other cities. Videos circulating on social media showed students burning the Iranian regime’s flag and chanting anti-government slogans. Human rights organizations have previously reported thousands killed in earlier rounds of unrest, while Iranian authorities have disputed higher casualty figures.

Netanyahu also called for domestic unity in the face of uncertainty. “We must close ranks as a nation, stand shoulder to shoulder. I am confident in our strength. I trust our commanders and our male and female soldiers,” he said.