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Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said Monday that Israel’s ongoing campaign against Iran is continuing to escalate, highlighting what he described as a major strike on Iran’s economic infrastructure and emphasizing close coordination with the United States.

Speaking about recent developments, Netanyahu revealed that Israel had targeted a key Iranian petrochemical site, describing it as a significant blow to the financial backbone supporting terror activity across the region.

He also detailed his latest conversation with President Donald Trump, noting the cooperation between the two countries. “Yesterday, I spoke again with my friend, President Trump. I expressed our immense appreciation for the heroic rescue operation of that American aircrew member, and President Trump, for his part, thanked me for the assistance Israel provided in this mission,” Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu added that Trump spoke highly of Israel’s role in the joint effort. “In general, he spoke of us in superlatives. He said: ‘You guys are great.’ He views Israel as a steadfast, determined, and firm ally that fights shoulder-to-shoulder alongside the United States, and together, we are continuing to crush Iran’s regime of terror,” he added.

Turning to the military campaign itself, Netanyahu said Israel is systematically targeting Iran’s sources of funding and leadership. He stated: “Today, we destroyed the largest petrochemical plant in Iran. This means we are systematically dismantling the IRGC’s money machine. We are destroying factories, eliminating operatives, and yes, we are continuing to eliminate senior officials.”

He concluded by contrasting Israel’s current strength with Iran’s weakening position, attributing Israel’s success to both spiritual and military factors. “Iran is no longer the same Iran, and Israel is no longer the same Israel. Israel is stronger than ever, and the terrorist regime in Iran is weaker than ever. And what is the key? What is the secret? Faith and power. We have both in abundance,” Netanyahu concluded.

IDF Spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Monday evening that Israeli forces are continuing operations in Lebanon with the clear objective of weakening Hezbollah and halting its attacks against Israel.

Speaking about the ongoing campaign, Defrin stated that IDF forces are targeting Hezbollah across multiple fronts, including both frontline positions and deeper locations inside Lebanon. “In Northern Command, we are striking Hezbollah both at the front lines and deep inside. More than 1,000 Hezbollah operatives have been eliminated since the latest campaign began. The operatives are retreating, and there is a serious morale problem within the terrorist organization. We will continue to strike them,” Defrin said.

He stressed that neutralizing Hezbollah’s capabilities remains a central goal. “disarming Hezbollah is a top priority, both military and political. We will not give up on this, and we are acting precisely according to the directives of the political leadership.”

During the briefing, Defrin was asked whether the army is anticipating an escalation in attacks during the second days of Yom Tov, coinciding with the deadline of an American ultimatum to Iran.

Responding to the question, he said there is currently no indication of such a development and no adjustments to civilian safety instructions. “There is no concrete information, and there is no change in Home Front Command guidelines.”

A tragic accident during Chol Hamoed Pesach claimed the life of 34-year-old Leah Yocheved Zinger a”h, who was killed in a car crash while returning from visiting the kever of the Pele Yoetz in Bulgaria.

Four other passengers traveling with her were injured, some seriously, and were taken to local hospitals for treatment.

Leah Yocheved had been part of a group of Israeli travelers who journeyed to Bulgaria for Pesach. Earlier in the day, the group departed from a resort area near Varna and made their way to the city of Silistra in order to daven at the kever of the Pele Yoetz, a well-known makom tefillah that draws visitors seeking yeshuos.

The devastating crash occurred as the group was on its way back from the kever. Emergency responders who arrived at the scene were forced to pronounce one of the passengers dead, while providing urgent medical care to the four others who were injured in the collision.

Members of the local Jewish community are working closely with Bulgarian authorities, along with representatives of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, to address all aspects of the situation, including arrangements to bring the nifteres to kevurah in Eretz Yisroel.

Yehi zichrah boruch.