Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Thursday he was uncertain whether the Iranian people would overthrow the Islamic Republic, even if conditions were created for them to do so. “You can lead someone to water; you cannot develop him drink,” he said, speaking in his first press conference since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, triggering a wider regional conflict.
Netanyahu Addresses Regional Conflict and Domestic Issues
Amid reported rage in northern communities due to renewed targeting, Netanyahu warned Lebanon’s government to “take your fate into your own hands” and disarm Hezbollah, or Israel would take action. He also called on President Isaac Herzog to cancel his corruption trial, citing US President Donald Trump’s belief that Herzog should grant Netanyahu a pardon.
Netanyahu explained that Israel aims to create “optimal conditions” for regime change in Iran, including airstrikes. He acknowledged, however, that he “cannot say for certain that the Iranian people will bring down the regime,” adding, “a regime is ousted from within.”
Netanyahu asserted that the Islamic Republic is already weakened, stating, “It’s simply a different Iran — it no longer threatens as it did before.” He claimed Iran is “not the same power” and “not the giant bully that nothing can be done against.”
Israel, he said, has targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and killed a “very critical” nuclear scientist, with “many surprises” still to approach. He stated the goal is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. He also claimed Israel and the US are preventing a regime that sought Israel’s destruction.
Regarding the succession of Ali Khamenei, Netanyahu said he “wouldn’t take out a life insurance policy on any of the leaders of the terror organizations.” He dismissed the new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, as a “puppet” of the Revolutionary Guard who “cannot show his face in public.” Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly since becoming supreme leader.
Expanding Alliances and Regional Power
Netanyahu stated that several countries are uniting with Israel against Iran, both openly and covertly. He described Israel as stronger than ever, “at least a regional power,” and claimed the elimination of Ali Khamenei removed “a kind of Hitler” who had sought Israel’s destruction for nearly half a century.
He stated, “We are crushing the terror regime in Iran. We are striking and defeating its proxies – Hezbollah in Lebanon.” He warned Hezbollah would “pay a very heavy price for its aggression.” Hezbollah recently launched approximately 200 rockets at northern Israel, renewing questions about its remaining arsenal.
Israel has responded to Hezbollah’s attacks by pushing troops further into Lebanon and carrying out airstrikes, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Netanyahu left open the possibility of avoiding a large ground offensive in Lebanon, but warned that one would be necessary if Lebanon does not disarm Hezbollah.
Netanyahu also addressed his ongoing corruption trial, repeating his claim that It’s a political “witch hunt” and noting that President Trump agrees with this assessment. He stated Trump “has the right to say his piece” and “speaks from the heart.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Israel’s primary objective in the current conflict?
According to Netanyahu, Israel’s primary objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles that threaten Israel, the United States, and the world.
What did Netanyahu say about the possibility of regime change in Iran?
Netanyahu stated he cannot say for certain that the Iranian people will overthrow the current regime, even if Israel and the US create conditions for them to do so.
What is Israel’s position regarding Hezbollah?
Netanyahu warned Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah or face Israeli action, stating Hezbollah is “feeling our force, and it will feel it even more so.”
Given the complex and evolving nature of this conflict, what impact will continued regional instability have on long-term peace efforts?
Related reading