ISRAEL – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that Israel enters the Jewish New Year on a note of strength, unity, and renewed hope, citing historic military and diplomatic achievements over the past year.

Addressing ministers at the opening of a government meeting ahead of Rosh HaShana, Netanyahu said Israel had “ensured the continued existence of the State of Israel and the Jewish people” through decisive military action, most notably Operation Rising Lion.

The meeting monitored in Uyo, Netanyahu said, “For twelve days, we were physically in a very deep pit, but Operation Rising Lion has put us at the summit,” the Prime Minister said.

“We have pushed from over our head the threat of Iran’s nuclear bombs…and hit every part of Iran’s axis; in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Gaza, and even Iran itself.”

Netanyahu stressed that, the campaign to “defeat Hamas and return all our hostages” remains a top priority, praising the “heroic sacrifice” of Israeli soldiers.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to travel to New York after the Rosh HaShana holiday to address the United Nations General Assembly, and later meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the fourth time since the start of Trump’s second presidency.

He pledged to “present the truth of Israel’s just struggle against the forces of evil” and resist international pressure for a Palestinian state, which he described as “an absurd prize for terrorism.”

On the domestic front, Netanyahu revealed that the government will approve a multi-year plan for rehabilitating and developing northern communities affected by conflict, alongside major investments in education, business, and infrastructure.

In a forward-looking move, the cabinet will also establish a National Council for Artificial Intelligence within the Prime Minister’s Office.

“This council will accelerate AI research and turn Israel into one of the world’s leading countries in the field, just as we have done in cyber,” Netanyahu said, emphasizing that technological innovation is key to safeguarding Israel’s economic and security superiority.

Closing his address, the Prime Minister extended New Year wishes to Israelis worldwide.

“I wish you a year of unity for the State of Israel, and a year of victory for the State of Israel, nothing less.”