Netanyahu Urges Iranians to Rebel Against Regime Following Unprecedented Strikes

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Following a series of Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a video address to the Iranian people on Friday, urging them to unite against what he described as a “repressive and evil regime.” Netanyahu declared that Israel was carrying out “one of the largest military operations in history,” called Operation Rising Lion, aimed at severely damaging Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure.

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In his speech, Netanyahu stated, “The time has come for the Iranian people to unite around their flag and historical heritage and to rise up for your freedom.” He emphasized that the strikes had resulted in the deaths of several top military officials and nuclear scientists. “As we achieve our objectives, we are also paving the way for your liberation,” he added.

In another video released shortly after Iranian missiles hit Israeli territory, Netanyahu claimed, “The regime has no idea what has hit it—or what is coming. It has never been this weak.” He continued, “Our battle is not with the Iranian people, but with the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. This is your moment to rise up and speak out.”

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He pledged that “more is on the way,” reiterating that the Israeli offensive “will last as many days as needed.”

Meanwhile, Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Shah of Iran, called on the country’s security forces to defect. Expressing hope for the downfall of the Islamic Republic, Pahlavi issued a statement blaming Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for “dragging Iran into a war with Israel,” describing the regime in Tehran as “weak and divided.”

“It can fall. As I have told my fellow Iranians: Iran belongs to you—take it back. I stand with you. Stay strong and we will prevail,” he wrote. He urged the military, police, and security services to “break away from the regime,” calling on them to honor the oath of any dignified soldier and to join the people.

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Addressing the international community, Pahlavi warned: “Do not extend a helping hand to this dying terrorist regime.”

Pahlavi, who was once heir to the Western-aligned monarchy overthrown in the 1979 Islamic Revolution, now lives in exile near Washington, D.C. He says he does not seek to restore the monarchy, but rather to use his name to support a movement toward a secular democracy in Iran.

Israel has long viewed the Islamic Republic as an existential threat. However, under the reign of the late Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran and Israel maintained close ties. Reza Pahlavi visited Israel two years ago and has since maintained friendly relations with Israeli officials.

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Since the October 7 Hamas attack, monarchist Iranians in the diaspora have played a visible role in pro-Israel demonstrations, often waving the old imperial flag.

Pahlavi has frequently described the Islamic Republic as fragile, especially following the mass protests that erupted in 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini while in the custody of the morality police for allegedly violating dress code regulations.

Iran labeled the Israeli attack as “an act of war” and threatened to unleash “the gates of hell” on Israel. Tehran initially launched around 100 drones toward Israeli territory, most of which were intercepted before reaching their targets. These were followed by dozens of missiles, some of which caused structural damage in Israeli cities and injured at least seven people, according to the Magen David Adom emergency medical service.

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