Amid escalating tensions and reciprocal attacks, the Israeli prime minister has publicly called for a change in government in Iran.
As unprecedented hostilities unfolded between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appealed to the Iranian people to overthrow their current leadership.
Netanyahu’s appeal came shortly after Israeli forces bombed Iranian nuclear and military sites, including a uranium enrichment facility in Natanz, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with a swarm of kamikaze drones and ballistic missiles, some of which hit Tel Aviv.
“The time has come for you to unite around your flag and your historic legacy by standing up for your freedom from an evil and oppressive regime. It has never been weaker,” Netanyahu stated in a video message.
“This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard,” he added.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
To the proud people of Iran,
We are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion.
The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years threatens to destroy our country, the State of Israel.— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM)
Netanyahu reiterated that the objective of the strikes, named Operation Rising Lion, was to eliminate “both the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat to Israel.”
Iran denounced the attack as an act of aggression and promised “severe punishment.”
Although the US maintained its non-involvement in the Israeli operation, President Donald Trump voiced his support for the strikes. In response, Iran has suspended nuclear negotiations with the US, calling off the scheduled sixth round of talks for Sunday.
“`