In a Thursday interview with Israel’s Kan public broadcaster, Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said that any potential regime change in Iran must come from within, though he implied that Israel is working to weaken the regime’s grip.
The Times of Israel reports that Netanyahu declined to confirm whether eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was under consideration. He reiterated that “regime change lies with the Iranian people alone,” but acknowledged, “We’re also striking government targets, symbols of the regime. You’ve seen it — the broadcast station and others. And there’s more to come.”
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military efforts are ongoing and expanding. “We are doing everything necessary — and there will still be much more,” he said, noting that Israel has been hitting the Basij, the internal security arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps known for quelling protests.
“We’re also striking the Basij… this kind of internal police force of a million people. We’ve inflicted heavy damage, and we will continue to strike their targets,” Netanyahu stated.
In the United States, some critics of the conflict have voiced concern over the possibility of American involvement turning into a prolonged military entanglement, similar to what happened in Iraq or Afghanistan. They warn against launching a so-called “regime change” war.
Although Netanyahu has urged Iranians to rise in defense of their liberty, he has not advocated for, nor requested, that the Trump administration take direct action to topple the Islamic Republic’s leadership.
{Matzav.com Israel}