Netanyahu Says Israel’s Third War Objective Is to Help Iranians Overthrow the Regime

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to local journalists in his first press conference since the current war began, said Israel has added a third war objective to its agenda: to create the conditions for the Iranian people to overthrow the regime. He said the two existing goals—preventing Iran’s nuclear weapons development and destroying its ballistic missile capabilities—remain in place.

Netanyahu told Iranians that a new path to freedom is approaching and that Israel stands with the Iranian people, but he added that the ultimate outcome will depend on them. He said Israeli forces have been striking, and will continue to strike, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its bases, facilities, and checkpoints.

The prime minister criticized Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling him a figure who cannot publicly appear and describing him as a puppet of the Revolutionary Guards. He framed Iran’s leadership in stark terms as part of his broader critique of Tehran’s regional influence.

Netanyahu highlighted the United States–Israel alliance, saying it is stronger than ever and that he has a close partnership with former President Trump. He asserted that the two sides communicate nearly every day, sharing ideas and counsel to make decisions.

The remarks come as Israel pursues its objectives amid a broader regional confrontation with Iran, a relationship defined by mutual hostility and competing regional interests. The United States remains a central ally for Israel, with Washington’s stance often shaping how Israeli actions are supported or constrained internationally.

For United States readers, the exchange matters beyond regional politics because it signals potential changes in Middle East security dynamics, with possible implications for global energy markets, defense policy, and diplomatic priorities. A drawn-out escalation could affect oil supply routes, international sanctions discussions, and the posture of American forces and allies in the region.

Contextual background: the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is a powerful Iranian security force that operates in parallel to Iran’s regular military, and Ayatollah Khamenei is Iran’s supreme leader. Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missile capacity have long been central to Western security concerns, shaping years of diplomacy and sanctions. The U.S.–Israel alliance has been a cornerstone of Western policy in the Middle East, influencing both diplomatic maneuvering and regional risk assessments.