Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, "either with or without a deal."
"The skies of the Middle East have seen unprecedented activity over the past year - and in particular the two successful operations we launched against Iran. If we had not acted, Iran would have armed itself with nuclear weapons," Netanyahu said.
"The Iranian terrorist regime has suffered a very severe blow - and our policy is clear: with or without a deal - Iran will not have nuclear weapons," he added.
Netanyahu gave a speech at the graduation ceremony for the IDF's 192nd pilot course, held at Hatzerim Air Force Base on Thursday, with most of the defense and political authorities present.
Later in his speech, Netanyahu said that the military is prepared for any scenario, with preserving air superiority being a fundamental pillar of national security. "We are promoting a policy of weapons independence, and equipping the pilots with the most tools," he added.
Preemptive strikes on Iran keep policy established in Six-Day War
Netanyahu also pointed out the operations carried out with the United States over Iran, saying that they averted "a threat of immediate annihilation, and also a danger to the entire Western world."
"Our pilots carried out thousands of sorties and attacks. They landed a powerful opening blow on Iran. These preemptive strikes are in line with operations that we all know from the past, such as Operation Focus that opened the Six-Day War," he added.
Defense Minister Israel Katz also spoke at the ceremony, remarking on his previous speech at the 190th pilot course graduation: "Exactly a year ago, I sent a direct message to the dictator [Ali] Khamenei and the group of ayatollahs in Iran, that Israel's long arm will catch up with them in Tehran, Tabriz, Isfahan, and wherever if they try to harm Israel."
"About four months ago, we returned to operating in the skies of Iran; we eliminated many of the regime's seniors, and in the historic opening blow of Operation Roaring Lion, we eliminated [Ali] Khamenei and severely wounded his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei."
"Today, too, I would like to begin my remarks with a message to the Iranian regime and all those who seek our harm: The State of Israel today is stronger, more determined, and more powerful," he added.
He also spoke about the current IDF operations, pointing out that the IDF is currently in the security zones in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria and will not withdraw from them. "It is our right and duty to protect the residents of the Galilee and the citizens of Israel from jihadist enemies who seek to destroy the State of Israel," he said.
Zamir: 'IDF is on immediate alert for takeoff'
IDF Chief of Staff, Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, also spoke at the ceremony, saying that the military is ready to respond to any threat: "In recent weeks, hundreds of the force's aircraft have been on immediate alert for takeoff. Hundreds of aircraft and behind them tens of thousands of people: technicians, controllers, inspectors, administrative and logistics personnel - planners at headquarters and controlling the command center."
Zamir later clarified that "Even at these moments, we are closely monitoring what is happening in Iran and Lebanon and are ready for immediate action. We will respond forcefully to anyone who tries to harm us."
The Israel Air Force commander, Maj.-Gen. Omer Tischler, also spoke to the new IDF pilots: "Your standing here, on the parade ground, after three years of training during war is an expression of resilience, determination, and standing the physical, professional, and moral test."
"The Air Force fought in a spirit of partnership and destiny, shoulder to shoulder with the fighters on the ground, maneuvering in all theaters of war - Gaza, Judea and Samaria, Syria, Lebanon, and to the far horizon, 2,000 kilometers from here in Yemen and the heart of Tehran. Together, we thwarted the Axis leaders, achieved air superiority, and destroyed military capabilities throughout Iran," he added.
President Isaac Herzog pointed out during his speech that this new generation of pilots spent all of their training fighting a war, something that was previously unheard of in the history of Israel.
"Already in the midst of training, you took part in the campaign missions and did so in an exemplary manner that arouses wonder and appreciation. The Air Force has proven time and again in recent years what we have always known - the State of Israel has the best Air Force in the world, without competitors," Herzog said.
He added, "You, the graduates, belong to the generation that teaches us - the previous generations - what warrior courage looks like! What responsibility looks like! A generation that shows us - what heroism looks like in this time! And most of all - what unity looks like!"