Tel Aviv / Washington / Tehran: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a direct televised address on Saturday urging the people of Iran to unite and overthrow the country’s ruling regime, saying the moment is “historic” and that Iranians must come together to “secure your future.” The appeal followed extensive joint military operations by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.
In his remarks, Netanyahu said ongoing strikes — dubbed Operation Roaring Lion — are aimed at degrading Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure and create conditions that could enable Iranians to challenge what he described as the oppressive forces controlling their nation. He characterised the moment as a rare opportunity for citizens from across Iran’s diverse ethnic groups.
“In the coming days, we will strike thousands of targets of the terrorist regime,” Netanyahu said. He also claimed that the operation aimed to enable “the brave people of Iran to free themselves from the chains of tyranny.”
Netanyahu also mentioned that he had previously been asked whether removing Iran’s leadership formed part of Israel’s military objectives.
He added that dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities remained the stated goal of the campaign. However, he said, 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. The leader also said protests in Iran suggested citizens were being given an opportunity to “take their destiny into their own hands.”
