Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told military officials in Tel Aviv on Thursday that the Iranian regime is fighting for survival and that overthrowing the government in Tehran is achievable.
Netanyahu stated that bringing down the Iranian leadership remains a central objective for Israel, describing the government in Tehran as weaker than ever before and reeling under pressure.
Speaking during the meeting with military officers, Netanyahu said he was convinced Israel could eliminate the threat posed by Iran once and for all. He added that the goal of removing the regime was close, achievable, and not impossible.
US Strikes and Middle East Retaliation
The Israeli leader noted that American armed forces recently began launching new attacks against Iran following a month of relative calm in the region. Following the American strikes, Tehran responded by launching retaliatory actions against United States allies across the Middle East, including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.
Netanyahu pointed out that Iran was not launching attacks against Israel, asserting that the decision to avoid striking Israeli targets was not accidental. He said Iranian leaders were aware of Israel's military power, the strength of its weaponry, and its determination, and he warned Israel's enemies not to mess with the nation.
Regional Context and Strategic Ties
Tel Aviv serves as the commercial hub of Israel and houses the headquarters of the Israel Defense Forces at the Kirya military complex. Israel and Iran have been locked in an enduring regional conflict, with Israeli officials frequently identifying Tehran's military posture and allied regional groups as a primary security threat.
The Gulf and Middle Eastern nations targeted in Iran's retaliatory strikes, including Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates, maintain military cooperation agreements or host American troop installations. Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates also normalized diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords.
