Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump on Wednesday for his “support in defending Israel’s skies,” as the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its sixth day.
While the US has stated it is not directly involved in Israel’s military operations, it remains a vital supplier of missiles and advanced technology used in Israel’s air defence systems. Reports also indicate that American military assets in the Middle East, including a Navy destroyer, have assisted in intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles.
“I want to thank President Trump, a great friend of the state of Israel,” Netanyahu said during a televised address. “I thank him for being at our side, and I thank him for the support of the United States in defending Israel’s skies.”
The hostilities escalated last Friday after Israel launched a wide-ranging unprovoked bombing campaign targeting Iranian positions. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes.
Trump has hinted at possibly joining Israel’s military campaign, publicly calling for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” but stated on Wednesday that no final decision had been made.
Netanyahu affirmed Israel’s powerful response against Iran’s nuclear programme, missile infrastructure, and military headquarters. He acknowledged the toll on Israel, saying: “We are suffering numerous losses, painful losses. But the home front is solid, the people are strong and the state of Israel is stronger than ever.”
Since the conflict began, at least 24 people have died in Israel with hundreds more wounded, according to Netanyahu’s office. Israeli air defence systems have successfully intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles and drones.
An Israeli military official, speaking anonymously, said Iran had launched roughly 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones since Friday, with about 20 missiles striking civilian areas.
Israeli media coverage of Iranian attacks is subject to strict military censorship. Meanwhile, Iran reported on Sunday that Israeli bombings had killed at least 224 people, including military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians, though it has not updated the casualty figures since.
