Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct appeal to Iranian citizens calling on them to rise against the country’s leadership, urging mass protests to “overthrow the current regime” following US and Israeli joint military strikes on Iran which led to the killing of Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In a video message released after the latest round of attacks, Netanyahu said Israel’s ongoing military campaign would weaken Iran’s ruling establishment and create conditions for citizens to challenge what he described as a “terrorist regime”.
“In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime. We will create the conditions for the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny. And for this reason, I address you once again,” the Israeli PM said in the video message, which was posted on X.
CALL FOR MASS PROTESTS INSIDE IRAN
Addressing Iranians directly, Netanyahu described the current moment as a rare historic opportunity, urging citizens not to remain passive.
“O citizens of Iran, do not let this opportunity slip away. This is an opportunity that comes only once in every generation. Do not sit idle, because your moment will arrive soon,” he said, calling on Iranians to “take to the streets in your millions” and unite to bring down the ruling system.
In an unusually explicit outreach, the Israeli leader addressed multiple ethnic communities, including Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis and Baluchis and urged them to join forces in what he termed a collective effort to secure Iran’s future.
“The moment when you must take to the streets, come to the streets in your millions to finish the job, to overthrow the regime of terror that has embittered your lives. Your suffering and sacrifices will not be in vain. The help you have longed for has now arrived. Help has arrived, and now the time has come to unite for a historic mission. O citizens of Iran, Persians, Kurds, Azeris, Ahwazis, and Baluchis — Now is the time to unite your forces to overthrow the regime and secure your future,” he said.
REGIME CHANGE ‘NOT OBJECTIVE BUT POSSIBLE OUTCOME’
Netanyahu on Saturday said he had previously been asked whether removing Iran’s leadership formed part of Israel’s military objectives during Operation Rising Lion.
According to the Israeli prime minister, dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities remained the stated goal of the campaign, but political upheaval inside Iran could emerge as a consequence of sustained military pressure.
“I replied that it was not the objective, but it could certainly be the result,” Netanyahu said, adding that protests already witnessed in Iran suggested citizens were being given an opportunity to “take their destiny into their own hands”.
The statement came amid intensifying regional tensions following the US-Israel’s joint military offensive on Iranian targets and Tehran’s retaliatory actions across West Asia, fuelling fears of a broader and prolonged conflict.
