ISLAMABAD: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has suggested that Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Iran could ultimately lead to regime change in Tehran, calling the Iranian leadership a grave danger to global stability.
In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Netanyahu said that although regime change is not the stated objective of “Operation Rising Lion,” it could certainly be a consequence of Israel’s actions.
“We’re geared to do whatever is necessary to achieve our dual aim, to remove two existential threats—the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat,” Netanyahu declared.
The Israeli campaign, launched with surprise strikes early Friday, has already eliminated key figures in Iran’s military command and inflicted significant damage on its nuclear infrastructure.
Netanyahu framed the operation as a global imperative, saying: “We did act—to save ourselves, but also, I think, to protect the world from this incendiary regime.”
Operation Rising Lion Escalates
Israel has made it clear that the offensive could continue for weeks.
While the military’s stated mission is the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, Netanyahu emphasized the fragility of Iran’s current regime.
He encouraged the Iranian people to rise up, citing the regime’s weakness in the face of internal dissent and economic pressure.
Israel’s armed forces have launched precision attacks on nuclear sites and military installations across Iran.
Tehran has responded with missile barrages, vowing to “open the gates of hell” in retaliation.
The risk of broader regional conflict looms large as both nations intensify their operations.
Trump Supports Israel, Warns Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he had been informed ahead of Israel’s offensive and voiced strong support for Netanyahu’s approach.
While denying U.S. involvement in the attacks, Trump stated that American forces are actively intercepting Iranian drones headed toward Israeli airspace.
He issued a stern warning to Tehran: Any attacks on U.S. targets would be met with “full strength and might.”
Trump reiterated that Iran has a way out of the crisis by returning to strict limits on its nuclear program.
Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, previously scheduled for Sunday, were canceled after Iran refused to negotiate under attack.
Meanwhile, Netanyahu refused to comment on reports that Trump had vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Still, he hinted that Israel had full operational awareness and was acting with strategic coordination.
