As Israel’s bold military campaign against Iran intensifies, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a striking statement addressed not to Iran’s leaders—but to its people.
In a message delivered in the wake of Operation Rising Lion, Netanyahu called on the “proud people of Iran” to rise up against the Islamic regime that has ruled over them for nearly five decades, declaring that Israel’s current operation is not only aimed at defending itself, but also at helping pave the way for Iranian freedom.
“We are in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history,” Netanyahu declared. “The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy our country, the State of Israel. The objective of Israel’s operation is to thwart the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat to us. As we achieve our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom.”
The statement comes just hours after Israel launched a coordinated wave of airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory, targeting nuclear enrichment facilities, ballistic missile sites, and key IRGC leadership compounds. Israeli defense officials claim the mission has already eliminated top military commanders, senior nuclear scientists, and major segments of Iran’s missile arsenal.
“More is on the way,” Netanyahu warned. “The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker.”
He ended the message with a direct appeal to the people of Iran to take a stand, invoking the slogan of the women-led protests that have rocked Iran since 2022:
“Woman, Life, Freedom. Zan, Zendegi, Azadi.”
In his statement, Netanyahu reiterated a theme he has emphasized throughout the conflict—that Israel’s war is with the regime, not with the Iranian people.
“Israel’s fight is not against the Iranian people. Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you.”
Referencing the deep historical ties between the Jewish and Persian civilizations, Netanyahu called on Iranians to honor their heritage by uniting in opposition to the Islamic Republic:
“The nation of Iran and the nation of Israel have been friends since the days of Cyrus the Great. The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime.”
Background: Operation Rising Lion
The statement follows one of Israel’s most far-reaching military actions in modern history. Operation Rising Lion reportedly struck high-value targets across Iran, including the Natanz enrichment complex, underground missile storage bunkers, and the homes of senior IRGC officials.
Iran responded by launching over 100 missiles toward Israeli territory in a dramatic escalation that has sent shockwaves through the region. Israeli air defense systems intercepted the vast majority, but damage and injuries have been reported in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
International reactions are mixed, with the U.S. and U.K. expressing support for Israel’s right to self-defense, while Russia, China, and several EU nations have called for restraint.
As war clouds gather, Netanyahu’s appeal marks a significant shift in tone—one that frames Israel’s military action not merely as self-defense, but as a liberation effort for the Iranian people.
Whether that message resonates inside Iran remains to be seen. But its intent is clear: Israel wants to isolate the regime, not alienate the people.
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