Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, told an emergency meeting of the Security Council that Israel acted alongside the United States to stop what he described as an existential threat from Iran before it became irreversible. He pointed to chants of 'Death to Israel, Death to America' and the burning of both countries' flags as evidence of what he called state-sanctioned hatred and preparation for action.

Danon stressed that Israel did not act out of impulse or aggression, but out of necessity after diplomatic efforts had been exhausted. He said the decision was driven by security concerns rather than political motives.

Addressing the Iranian people directly, Danon said the operation was aimed at a regime that has silenced them, adding that Israel stands with the Iranian public rather than against them.