Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday told Iranians that he hopes Israel’s ongoing military operation in Iran will “clear the path for you to achieve your freedom,” as he denounced the Islamic Republic as an “evil and oppressive regime.”
Netanyahu addressed Iranians directly in an English language video, calling Israel’s Operation Rising Lion “one of the greatest military operations in history.”
“The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around its flag and its historic legacy, by standing up for your freedom from the evil and oppressive regime,” he said. “The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for almost 50 years, threatens to destroy our country.”
“The objective of Israel’s operation is to thwart the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threat to us.”
The premier suggested the Israeli campaign, which has targeted Iranian military and nuclear targets, could lead to a toppling of the regime.
“As we achieves our objective, we are also clearing the path for you to achieve your freedom,” he said.
“The regime does not know what hit them, or what will hit them. It has never been weaker. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard. Woman, Life, Freedom — Zan, Zendegi, Azadi,” Netanyahu continued, echoing the slogan of anti-government Iranian protests.
“Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you,” he further said, adding: “This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard.”
Netanyahu also promised that “more is on the way,” having said earlier that Israel’s attack on Iran would “continue for as many days as it takes.”
Iran has called the Israeli attacks “a declaration of war” and threatened to retaliate by opening “the gates of hell” on Israel.
It first sent about 100 drones towards Israel, many of which were intercepted before reaching the country.
The drones were followed by dozens of missiles, some of which caused physical damage in Israeli cities, and killed one person and wounded over 60 others, according to first responders.