Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has extended a message of solidarity to the Iranian people, asserting that Israel “stands with you” and expressing hope for a brighter future for Iran, free from its current regime. In a video statement delivered in English, Netanyahu criticised the Iranian regime for its focus on military actions and foreign wars, which, he said, have only deepened regional turmoil.
“Every day, you see a regime that subjugates you, make fiery speeches about defending Lebanon, defending Gaza. Yet every day, that regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war,” Netanyahu stated, highlighting Israel’s recent military successes and targeted assassinations of militant leaders.
The people of Iran should know – Israel stands with you pic.twitter.com/MfwfNqnTgE
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) September 30, 2024
Addressing the people of Iran directly, Netanyahu accused their leadership of bringing the nation “closer to the abyss” with every passing moment. “The vast majority of Iranians know their regime doesn’t care a whit about them. If it did care, if it cared about you, it would stop wasting billions of dollars on futile wars across the Middle East. It would start improving your lives,” he said, calling on the regime to redirect funds spent on nuclear weapons and wars towards improving infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Netanyahu expressed confidence that Iran would be free sooner than expected, envisioning a future where Israel and Iran would be at peace. “When Iran is finally free — and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think – everything will be different,” he assured. He added that Iran’s “terror network” would be dismantled and the country would witness “global investment, massive tourism, and brilliant technological innovation.”
Concluding his message, Netanyahu urged Iranians to reject the “small group of fanatic theocrats” governing the nation. “You deserve better. Your children deserve better. The entire world deserves better. I know you don’t support the rapists and murderers of Hamas and Hezbollah, but your leaders do. You deserve more,” he emphasised.
“The people of Iran should know – Israel stands with you. May we together know a future of prosperity and peace,” the Israeli Prime Minister remarked.
Netanyahu’s remarks came in the context of ongoing tensions in the region, with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) involved in military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. At the start of a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s “historic achievements” but also the challenges ahead. “We are at war for our very existence,” he declared, while extending his support to the families of IDF soldiers and hostages, as quoted by The Times Of Israel.
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PM Modi Speaks To Israel’s Netanyahu, Says ‘Terrorism Has No Place In Our World’
Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern over the recent developments in West Asia during a conversation with Netanyahu. Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to peace and stability, stating that “terrorism has no place in our world” and stressing the importance of preventing regional escalation. Modi shared his thoughts on X, emphasising the need for the safe release of hostages and an early resolution to the conflict.
Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2024
Israel’s recent strikes in Lebanon, which targeted Hezbollah, have resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader. Hezbollah had been launching missiles into northern Israel following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7.