Netanyahu on Iran Regime Change: Israeli PM's Military Forum Speech

Photography: Omer Miron/GPO, Sound: Nir Saraf/GPO

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted a Rosh Hashanah toast on Thursday with senior defense officials at the IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv, where he spoke about the possibility of toppling Iran's government. Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, and members of the General Staff Forum attended the gathering.

Netanyahu described the achievements of what he called "three years of the War of Revival" and recent operations as "historic accomplishments that ensure our continued existence." He told the assembled military leadership that Israel had faced an existential threat from a regime seeking to destroy it and acquire nuclear weapons, but had pushed back that danger along with other threats.

The prime minister characterized Iran's current government as weakened and struggling. "This regime is currently faltering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its life," Netanyahu said. He expressed confidence in Israel's ability to eliminate the Iranian threat permanently, citing the country's military personnel and public resilience. "I am convinced of our ability to remove this threat once and for all. That is, to topple this regime. This is the central mission still before us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach."

Netanyahu also warned Israel's adversaries directly. "They don't attack us for no reason. They attack everyone, just not us. They know our strength, our military might and our determination," he said. "I say to our enemies, don't mess with us. If you've learned anything, don't mess with us. We have the power, the determination and the internal unity to overcome you, and that is what I wish for the people of Israel in the coming year."