Netanyahu blasted as Israel join forces with USA in attacking Iran

On February 28, 2026, Israel and the United States launched joint military strikes on Iran. This marked a major escalation in the long-standing tensions, with both countries describing the action as preemptive to eliminate an "existential threat" from Iran's regime, particularly its nuclear and missile programs.

Key Details from Reports

1. Israeli Perspective: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation (codenamed "Roar of the Lion" or similar variants like "Lion's Roar") as a joint effort with the US to remove the threat posed by what he called the "terrorist regime in Iran." He praised US President Donald Trump for his "historic leadership" and urged Iranians to "throw off the yoke of tyranny" and seize control of their future.

2. US Perspective: President Trump confirmed the start of "major combat operations" in Iran via video statements, stating the goal was to eliminate imminent threats, destroy Iran's missile capabilities and nuclear program, and potentially pave the way for regime change. He called on Iranians to take over their government, describing it as a chance for freedom.

3. Targets and Scope: Strikes hit sites across Iran, including Tehran (with explosions near the Supreme Leader's compound), Isfahan, and other locations. 

Reports indicate targeting of senior Iranian officials (including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian), military facilities, nuclear-related sites, and Revolutionary Guard assets. 

The operation was planned over months with close coordination.

4. Iranian Response: Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US bases/assets in Gulf states (e.g., explosions reported in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar). 

Iranian officials vowed a "crushing" response, and the conflict appears ongoing with potential for further escalation.

How Netanyahu was blasted

While Netanyahu framed the strikes positively as a necessary defense and opportunity for Iranian freedom, the action has drawn sharp international and regional backlash. 

Critics (including from anti-Israel voices, some regional actors, and anti-war commentators) have condemned it as aggressive escalation, risking wider war, civilian casualties, and regional instability. 

On platforms like X, reactions range from celebrations (especially from some Iranian opposition accounts thanking the US/ Israel) to outrage (accusations of Netanyahu dragging the US into war or endangering lives). 

However, major Western reports focus more on the strategic framing by Netanyahu and Trump rather than widespread personal "blasting" of Netanyahu in mainstream coverage—though opposition to the strikes themselves is evident in protests, condemnations from Iran/allies, and concerns over oil markets or Gulf stability.

This is a fast-moving situation with live updates from sources like Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC, AP, and others reporting explosions, retaliatory fire, and calls for de-escalation amid fears of broader conflict. The strikes follow prior tensions, including a shorter 2025 Israel-Iran exchange.