Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu told Israel’s military leadership Thursday that bringing down the Iranian regime is now the country’s primary remaining objective, saying Tehran’s leadership is increasingly vulnerable and that regime change is “in arm’s reach.”
Netanyahu delivered the message during a pre-Rosh Hashanah toast at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, where he was joined by Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and members of the IDF General Staff Forum.
Addressing the senior officers, Netanyahu made clear that he views the downfall of the government in Tehran as the central mission still confronting Israel following its military campaigns against Iran and other regional threats.
Reviewing Israel’s accomplishments during the war and subsequent military operations, Netanyahu said the country had succeeded in confronting threats that once posed an existential danger.
“What was achieved in the three years of the War of Redemption and in the time since Roaring Lion, and even beforehand, Rising Lion, are historic achievements that ensure our continued existence. We stood up to the threat of eradication by a regime that seeks to annihilate us and wants to use nuclear bombs to destroy us. We removed this threat as well as other threats.”
Netanyahu told the generals that Iran’s leadership is now in a significantly more precarious position than it was previously and expressed confidence in Israel’s ability to complete the mission.
“This regime is faltering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival, and I am confident that we can accomplish the main mission before us. I believe in the capabilities of our heroic soldiers, our heroic pilots and navigators, our entire defense apparatus, our home front and our strong people.”
The prime minister then explicitly identified the overthrow of the Iranian regime as the objective he believes Israel is capable of achieving.
“I am convinced of our ability to remove this threat once and for all. That is, to topple this regime. That is the main task still before us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is in arm’s reach.”
Netanyahu also argued that Iran’s reluctance to strike Israel directly reflects its understanding of Israel’s military capabilities and willingness to retaliate.
“It’s not for no reason that they don’t attack us. They attack everyone, just not us. They know our might, our strength, and our determination.”
Concluding his remarks, Netanyahu issued a warning to Israel’s adversaries while offering his wishes to Israelis ahead of the Jewish New Year.
“I tell 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 eternal unity to overcome you, and that is what I wish for the people of Israel in the upcoming year, in the near future. Happy New Year.”
{Matzav.com}
