Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the start of the attack on Iran that "our brave pilots are striking numerous targets across Iran." According to him, "the purpose of this unprecedented operation is to strike Iran's nuclear infrastructure, Iran's ballistic missile factories and Iran's military capabilities." He added, "This operation will continue as long as necessary until we complete the mission – to repel the threat of destruction hanging over our heads. Iran still has significant capabilities to harm us – and we have prepared for that as well." He addressed Israeli citizens: "I ask for the cooperation of all of you, close cooperation in the coming hours and days. We need the same resilience – even more so – now and in the days ahead."