Netanyahu urges Iranians to overthrow Supreme leader

says regime is the common enemy

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a direct appeal to the people of Iran, urging them to rise up and overthrow their ruling regime.

In a video message delivered on Friday, June 13, 2025, Netanyahu emphasized the shared adversary between Israelis and ordinary Iranians – the leadership of the Islamic Republic.

He claimed that the regime in Tehran has never been more vulnerable, pointing to the aftermath of Israeli military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military sites over the past 24 hours.

“The regime that has ruled over you with an iron fist for nearly five decades is at its weakest point,” Netanyahu declared.

“Now is the moment for you to rally behind your national identity and rich historical legacy.

“Take a stand for your freedom and future by speaking out against this cruel and repressive system.”

Netanyahu stressed that Israel does not view the Iranian population as its enemy.

Rather, he made a distinction between the people and their government.

He asserted that Israel’s conflict is solely with the Islamic regime, which he accused of both stifling personal freedoms and contributing to widespread poverty within Iran.

“Our struggle is not directed at you,” he said, addressing Iranians directly. “

It is directed at the regime that rules over you with brutality and has long sought to destroy our country.

It is a regime that silences dissent, abuses its citizens, and drains your nation’s wealth.”

As a sign of solidarity, Netanyahu quoted the slogan widely used by Iran’s women-led protest movement: “Woman, life, freedom.”

He delivered the phrase in both English and Farsi, aiming to connect with the Iranian public on a personal and emotional level.

The slogan has become emblematic of ongoing protests within Iran, particularly those led by women opposing state-imposed restrictions and systemic oppression.

“Courageous people of Iran, your light will overcome the darkness,” Netanyahu added. “I support you. The people of Israel stand with you.”

Netanyahu’s address came amid an escalating military campaign, which he described as one of Israel’s largest ever, Operation Rising Lion.

The operation, he explained, is a response to increasing threats from the Iranian regime, which has long been accused of sponsoring militant groups and working toward the development of nuclear weapons.

“This regime, which has crushed your voices and aspirations for nearly 50 years, has also openly vowed to destroy the State of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

“We cannot and will not allow that threat to go unanswered.”

On the same day, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered his own televised message to the Iranian public.

In his recorded speech, Khamenei dismissed the idea that the regime was weakened and declared that Iran would retaliate strongly against Israeli actions.

“The Iranian people are united in support of justice,” Khamenei said.

“We will retaliate with force, and we will show no mercy in our response. Life will become bitter for those who attack us.”

Khamenei’s message stood in stark contrast to Netanyahu’s outreach.

Netanyahu framed his speech as a gesture of empathy and encouragement toward the Iranian people.

On the other hand, Khamenei presented Iran as resolute and prepared for confrontation, claiming popular support for his stance.

The exchange of messages comes at a time of heightened tensions between the two nations, following a series of military confrontations and covert operations.

The ongoing Israeli strikes on Iranian assets and Tehran’s repeated threats of retaliation have added urgency to what is already one of the region’s most volatile conflicts.

Observers say that by calling on the Iranian people to stand against their rulers, Netanyahu’s message appeared to mark a shift in rhetoric.

They believe he is seeking not only to challenge Iran’s military capabilities but also to support internal dissent.

Whether this appeal will resonate within Iran or escalate tensions further remains to be seen.

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