Netanyahu Urges Iranians to Rise Amid Israeli Strikes

New Delhi: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated on Tuesday that the long‑running conflict with Iran aims not just at degrading Tehran’s military capabilities but at empowering ordinary Iranians to overthrow what he described as an oppressive regime. 

His comments, delivered during a visit to a national command centre, mark one of his strongest public appeals to the Iranian people since the outbreak of hostilities.

Addressing the ongoing military campaign in coordination with the United States. Netanyahu framed Israel’s objective as both strategic and ideological. 

“Our aspiration is to bring the Iranian people to throw off the yoke of tyranny,” he said, emphasising that ultimate change rests with Iranians themselves. 

“Ultimately, it depends on them. But there is no doubt that through the actions taken so far we are breaking their bones — and our arm is still outstretched,” the prime minister stated.

Though military strikes have significantly intensified in recent days, Netanyahu’s remarks went beyond battlefield objectives. The prime minister added:

“If we succeed together with the Iranian people, we will bring about a permanent end if such things exist in the life of nations and we will bring about change,” he said, calling for a partnership with Iranians in shaping their future.

An Israeli defence official accompanying the premier noted that the offensive has reshaped regional power balances, enabling near‑total control of Iranian airspace in coordination with US forces and neutralising key military targets across Iran.

Analysts say this operational shift underpins Netanyahu’s confidence in pressing both military and political messaging.

Historical Messaging to Iranians

Netanyahu has repeatedly framed the conflict as a dual effort: weaken Iran’s military apparatus while inspiring internal dissent against its theocratic leadership. 

In a separate video message specifically directed at the Iranian people earlier this week, he said “the moment of truth is approaching” and urged them to stand up against their regime for their own liberation and future peace with Israel.

That address, subtitled in Farsi and English, repeated Netanyahu’s long‑held position that liberation can only come from within Iran:

“To the Iranian people I say- we do not ask to divide Iran, we ask to free Iran from the yoke of tyranny and to live with it in peace. But in the end, this liberation will depend on you,” he said.

Netanyahu’s statement comes amid escalating regional conflict. Iranian armed forces continue to launch missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf states, while global oil markets remain volatile.

The US administration has stated its goals include neutralising Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes, while President Donald Trump suggested the war could end swiftly, though Tehran has insisted it will determine its own course.

Critics of Netanyahu’s approach argue that invoking regime change risks further destabilisation and could harm Iranian civilians caught in the conflict.

Human rights advocates have highlighted the need for political solutions that prioritise humanitarian protections, warning against rhetoric that could be exploited by hardliners in Tehran.