Araweelo News Network
Associated Online Agencies
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Date: March 7, 2026
Tel Aviv (ANN)-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva on Friday after the area sustained damage from Iranian missile and drone strikes amid the escalating regional conflict.
Netanyahu toured affected areas alongside Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, Be’er Sheva Mayor Ruvik Danilovich, and Acting Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office Drorit Steinmetz.
Speaking during the visit, Netanyahu said Israel is now in the seventh day of its military campaign, which he referred to as “Operation Roaring Lion.”
“We are on the seventh day of Operation Roaring Lion. We are striking the enemy—its leadership, its oppressive regime, and various targets, including those in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli leader also expressed solidarity with injured soldiers and civilians, wishing a speedy recovery to the wounded, including the son of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
“I want our soldiers and our wounded to know: the entire nation stands behind you,” he added.
During his remarks, Netanyahu praised the resilience of Be’er Sheva residents after the city experienced multiple impacts from Iranian attacks during the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Iran.
“I am in awe of the steadfast resilience of the citizens,” he said, emphasizing that Israel would continue military operations until its objectives are achieved.
The Prime Minister outlined what he described as the key elements of Israel’s military strategy—determination, initiative, and strategic planning—stating that Israeli forces would intensify operations against their adversaries.
Netanyahu also addressed damage to infrastructure in the city, including facilities near Soroka Medical Center, promising the government would rebuild and compensate affected residents.
“We will restore everything that was damaged here; we will pay all necessary compensations. Moreover, we will not only rebuild, we will improve,” Netanyahu said.
Mayor Danilovich highlighted the importance of rebuilding the city and ensuring residents remain in the region despite the ongoing security threats.
“Our true victory lies in restoring these homes, bringing new residents, and retaining our young people. Be’er Sheva is a metropolitan city and an important capital of the Negev,” the mayor said.
Netanyahu concluded his visit by pledging that Be’er Sheva and the wider Negev would continue to grow despite the conflict.
“Be’er Sheva will not be emptied—it will be filled. We are going to settle the Negev and make it bloom. This is our vision and our commitment,” he said.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions across the Middle East following ongoing exchanges of strikes between Israel, Iran, and allied groups across the region.
By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights
activist.
Araweelo News Network
Associated Online Agencies