Netanyahu says Iran ‘no longer the same’ since the war, regime change depends on the Iranian people

“We can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Iran’s people to take to the streets,” Netanyahu said.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel and the United States are working to inflict severe damage on Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs while creating conditions that could allow the Iranian public to challenge the regime.

Speaking at his first press conference since the war began, Netanyahu said Israel’s military campaign has already changed the strategic balance in the region. “This is no longer the same Iran, this is no longer the same Middle East and this is no longer the same Israel,” he said.

Netanyahu said the war has two central objectives: “to severely damage Iran’s nuclear program and its ballistic missile program” and to prevent Tehran from protecting those capabilities by moving them underground. “We are aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear and ballistic projects underground,” he said.

He also emphasized the close coordination between Jerusalem and Washington during the conflict.

Netanyahu said he and US President Donald Trump speak almost daily and exchange ideas while making decisions together. “We created an alliance unlike any other with the United States,” he said.

Netanyahu said Israeli operations are also intended to create conditions that could lead to political change inside Iran, though he acknowledged the outcome ultimately depends on the Iranian public.

“We can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Iran’s people to take to the streets,” he said, adding that such a development is uncertain.

“It’s not certain that this will happen – it depends on the Iranian people.” He compared the situation to a familiar expression: “You can bring a man to water, but you can’t force him to drink.”

Turning to the northern front, Netanyahu warned Hezbollah that Israel would continue to respond forcefully after the Iran-backed group began firing rockets on March 2 following the killing of Iran’s supreme leader at the start of the war.

“Hezbollah is feeling the strength of our hand and will pay a very heavy price,” Netanyahu said.

Asked about the possibility of Israeli forces occupying parts of Lebanon, Netanyahu said he had delivered a warning to Lebanese authorities. “I told them, ‘you’re playing with fire,’” he said.

When asked about Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu declined to discuss potential Israeli actions.

“I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization … I don’t intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”