In the context of an unprecedented military offensive against Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a forceful and emotional message addressed to the Iranian people, in which he explained the objectives of the so-called Operation "Rising Lion," which succeeded in destroying key nuclear and military infrastructure of the Islamic terrorist regime in Tehran.
"We are in the midst of one of the largest military operations in history," Netanyahu stated in a speech published on X. Addressing the "proud people of Iran" directly, the Israeli prime minister clearly separated the regime from the citizens: "Our fight is not against the Iranian people. Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes them."
Netanyahu's message seeks to reaffirm to the world the strategic motives behind Israel's military operation, while at the same time sending a message of encouragement to the Iranian civilian population, which has led numerous protests in recent years.
"This is your opportunity to stand up and make your voice heard. Woman, Life, Freedom. Zan, Zendegi, Azadi," he stated in Farsi and English, in a clear allusion to the slogan of the Iranian women's movement against the regime.
"Never been weaker"
Netanyahu asserted that the operation has been a strategic success: "In the last 24 hours, we've eliminated senior military commanders, high-ranking nuclear scientists, the most important enrichment facility of the Islamic regime, and a large part of its ballistic missile arsenal." With a defiant tone, he added: "There's more to come. The regime doesn't know what has happened to it or what will happen. It's never been weaker."
The Israeli leader's statements come after intense bombings on nuclear targets in Natanz and Fordow, and the elimination of senior IRGC commanders, including figures such as Hossein Salami and Esmail Qaani. The head of the nuclear program and several members of the Iranian General Staff were also killed.
Call for freedom
The Israeli prime minister concluded his speech by appealing to the shared history between the Hebrew and Persian peoples: "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 their flag and their historical legacy, defending their freedom against the evil and oppressive regime."
With a phrase that is already resonating on social media in Hebrew, English, and Persian, he ended his message on a note of hope:
"Mardome shojae Iran, noor bar tariki piruz ast. Brave people of Iran, light triumphs over darkness."
