Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting on Sunday as the nation marked the start of Purim.

Netanyahu emphasized its efforts against Iran while also comparing Israel’s planning with the work of Esther 2,500 years ago.

“International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi just said in Tehran that an Israeli attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities is against the law. Rafael Grossi is a worthy gentleman who said something unworthy. Against which law? Is Iran, which openly calls for our destruction, permitted to defend the destructive weapons that would slaughter us? Are we permitted to defend ourselves?” the prime minister asked.

“It is clear that we are and it is clear that we will do so. And we will do so in discussions or actions around the clock, which I will not detail here, of course,” he added.

Netanyahu also remained steadfast in efforts against Iran as part of stopping enemies from attacking Israel.

“I say this because nothing will deter us from defending our country and preventing our enemies from eliminating the state of the Jews,” Netanyahu affirmed.

“We are on the eve of Purim: 2,500 years ago an enemy arose in Persia who sought to destroy the Jews. They did not succeed then, neither will they succeed today,” he added. “I wish the entire people of Israel a Happy Purim.”

Purim beings on the evening of Monday, March 6, continuing until the evening of March 7. The Jewish holiday commemorates the biblical account of Esther who protected her people against Haman’s plan to annihilate the Jews.

Purim services usually include reading the book of Esther, with some American Jews dressing in costumes and celebrating with parades of special events. Some Jews also give gift to friends or those in need, along with sharing a holiday meal.