The Israeli prime minister says Iran’s government is weaker than ever and claims Israel can overthrow the regime as US strikes on Iran resume.
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — WEB DESK: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said overthrowing Iran’s Islamic Republic is now “within reach,” claiming that the Iranian regime is weaker than ever as the United States resumes military strikes against Tehran.
Speaking at a Rosh Hashanah gathering with senior Israeli military leaders in Tel Aviv on Thursday, Netanyahu described the Iranian government as “teetering” and fighting for its survival.
“I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all — that is, to overthrow this regime,” Netanyahu said, according to AFP reporting. He described regime change in Iran as the “central task” still facing Israel and said the objective was close and achievable.
Netanyahu Says Iran Regime Is Weakened
Netanyahu argued that Israel’s military operations had significantly reduced the threat posed by Iran.
He said Iran’s leadership was currently under severe pressure and characterised the Islamic Republic as weaker than it had been previously.
The Israeli leader has for decades described Iran as a major strategic threat to Israel, particularly over Tehran’s nuclear programme and its support for armed groups across the region.
His latest remarks represent a stronger articulation of regime change as an Israeli objective.
US Resumes Strikes on Iran
Netanyahu’s comments came as the United States resumed strikes against Iranian targets following a period of relative calm.
The renewed military confrontation has also triggered Iranian attacks against US allies in the Gulf, Jordan and Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, according to AFP. Iran has not, however, launched comparable attacks against Israel during this latest phase, Netanyahu said.
The escalation has raised concerns about a wider regional conflict and disruption to energy and shipping routes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a particular focus because of its importance to global oil and gas supplies. Renewed tensions have already contributed to higher oil prices and reduced maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Netanyahu Says Iran Is Avoiding Israel
Netanyahu claimed Iran’s decision not to directly attack Israel was deliberate.
“If they’re not attacking us, it is not by chance,” he said, arguing that Tehran understands Israel’s military capabilities and determination.
The Israeli prime minister also issued a warning to Israel’s enemies, saying they should not underestimate the country’s military strength or internal unity.
His comments came alongside increasingly strong warnings from Israeli officials about potential Iranian retaliation.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has warned that an Iranian attack on Israel could result in Israeli strikes against regime infrastructure, including energy facilities.
Regime Change Remains Uncertain
While Netanyahu said the overthrow of Iran’s Islamic Republic was within reach, his statement represents an assessment and political objective rather than confirmation that regime change is imminent.
Iran retains functioning state institutions, security forces and military capabilities, while its leadership has continued to resist pressure from Israel and the United States.
Reuters has reported that intensified US sanctions and a blockade have placed growing economic pressure on Tehran, with Iranian oil exports and access to foreign currency sharply affected. However, the report also described the conflict as a costly stalemate, with Iran’s leadership facing pressure but continuing to resist.
Wider Regional Tensions
The latest developments come amid a broader escalation involving Israel, Iran and the United States.
US military action, Iranian retaliation and Israeli threats have increased uncertainty across the Middle East. The confrontation has also affected commercial shipping and energy markets, adding an international economic dimension to the conflict.
For Israel, Netanyahu is presenting the weakening of Iran as a major strategic achievement. But whether sustained military and economic pressure can actually lead to a change in Iran’s political system remains uncertain.
For now, Netanyahu says removing the Iranian regime is one of Israel’s central objectives and believes the goal is achievable.
