Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has toned down his rhetoric on regime change in Tehran as the conflict between Israel and Iran heats up. Netanyahu stressed that overthrowing Iran’s leadership is a decision that belongs to the Iranian people and that it is not an official Israeli goal in an interview with Israel’s public broadcaster Kan. Read More: Putin and Xi Tell U.S. to Back Off as Iran-Israel Conflict Boils Over
From War Drums to Diplomatic Nuance
Netanyahu now maintains that Israel is not actively seeking regime change, which is a major departure from his earlier claims. He retracted his calls for Iranians to rebel last week, saying that “whether this regime stays or falls is primarily an internal Iranian matter.”
This shift in tone follows the lack of tangible outcomes from his public calls for protests inside Iran. Recent events, on the other hand, indicate that Iranians are supporting their government rather than opposing it.
Foreign Minister Echoes Moderation
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed Netanyahu’s updated stance, saying the country currently has no formal policy targeting regime change in Iran. “There is no active cabinet decision aimed at removing the Iranian leadership — at least not for now,” he clarified in a press briefing. Read More: How Iran’s Latest Appointment Could Turn the Tide Against Israel’s Airstrikes!
Attacks on Nuclear Facilities Still on the Table
Netanyahu is unwavering in one regard, despite the softer rhetoric regarding regime change: Iran’s nuclear aspirations. With or without U.S. assistance, he pledged that Israel would destroy Iran’s nuclear sites. He declared, “With or without a green light from Washington, we will act — we have the capability to take out all of their nuclear facilities.”
Iranian facilities in Tehran, Rasht, Isfahan, and Natanz have already been targeted by Israel. According to reports, some of Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure has been harmed by these strikes.
Israeli Defense Minister Takes a Harder Line
In stark contrast to Netanyahu’s new restraint, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz adopted a more aggressive tone. He blamed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for a recent missile attack on a hospital near Tel Aviv, calling it a “war crime.”
Katz said, “Khamenei is no longer a man fit to live.” He confirmed that the Israeli military has been instructed to launch broad attacks on Iran’s strategic command centers — including those in Tehran — with the aim of shaking the very foundations of the Islamic Republic.
Iran Denies Targeting Civilian Facilities
Iran’s state media IRNA countered Israel’s claims, stating that the missile strike targeted a military intelligence base located near the Soroka Medical Center, not the hospital itself. However, international watchdogs are still investigating the extent of civilian casualties.
Khamenei Fires Back at U.S. and Israel
Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded forcefully, dismissing the idea of an American military strike as mere psychological warfare. “The fact that the Zionist regime’s American friends have entered the region only reflects the regime’s weakness, not strength,” he said.
He also criticized Israel’s reliance on the U.S., calling it a sign of strategic failure.
Israel Faces Strategic Dilemmas
Despite its military might, Israel finds itself at a strategic crossroads. Its strikes have inflicted damage, but they haven’t deterred Iran’s response. Adding to the complexity is uncertainty around U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision — will Washington join a broader conflict, or pull back?
Kan and other Israeli outlets suggest Trump may be hesitant, prompting Netanyahu to publicly assert that Israel will not wait for U.S. approval before launching deeper strikes into Iran.
Ground Situation Unclear Amid Internet Blackout
Iran has imposed widespread internet blackouts across its territory, making it difficult to gauge the public mood or assess damage in real time. Meanwhile, Israel has warned civilians near the city of Rasht to evacuate, signaling that more attacks may be imminent.
Read More: Shocking Photos Reveal U.S. Warplanes Vanished from Qatar Base!
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