Netanyahu Says Iran Regime Change Is Now Israel’s Goal
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that toppling Iran’s government is now a “central mission” for Israel, saying he believes the objective is “within reach”. The remarks mark one of his clearest public statements yet that regime change in Tehran has become a strategic Israeli goal.
Netanyahu Says Iranian Regime Is Weaker Than Ever
Netanyahu made the comments during a Rosh Hashanah gathering with the Israel Defense Forces General Staff Forum in Tel Aviv.
He said Iran’s leadership was “faltering”, weaker than at any previous point and fighting for its survival.
Netanyahu credited Israeli military operations since the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attack with significantly reducing what he described as the Iranian threat.
He expressed confidence that Israel could ultimately remove that threat by bringing down the current government in Tehran.
Netanyahu Calls Regime Change ‘Central Mission’
The Israeli leader said overthrowing the Iranian government remained the most important mission still ahead, while arguing that achieving it was no longer an unrealistic objective.
His remarks come amid renewed military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States and escalating tensions across the wider Middle East.
Iran has repeatedly warned that it would retaliate against further Israeli attacks on its territory or strategic interests.
Israel Threatens Iranian Infrastructure
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz separately warned that if Iran attacks Israel, the Israeli military would target Iranian government infrastructure, including energy facilities.
The warnings come as Israeli officials also assess the possibility of Iran-backed groups attempting attacks against Israeli targets abroad.
Netanyahu told Israel’s adversaries that the country retained the military strength and determination to respond forcefully to further attacks.
