Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that joint military efforts with the United States have significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear and missile programs while diminishing Tehran’s regional influence. However, he emphasized that overthrowing the Iranian government ultimately rests with the Iranian people.
During his first media briefing since the conflict began, Netanyahu described how the military campaign has transformed regional dynamics. “This is no longer the same Iran, this is no longer the same Middle East and this is also not the same Israel,” he stated. “We initiate and attack with force. Trump and I talk almost every day, exchange ideas and advice, and decide together.”
The Israeli leader outlined key military goals, focusing on severely damaging Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure while preventing Tehran from securing these capabilities in underground facilities. “We are aiming to stop Iran from moving nuclear and ballistic projects underground,” he explained.
Netanyahu claimed the joint campaign has already produced substantial outcomes, elevating Israel’s position “as a regional power and, in certain respects, a global power.”
The Prime Minister referenced previous warnings he and US President Donald Trump issued to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei about rebuilding what Netanyahu termed “industries of death.” “Not only did he not listen,” Netanyahu said about Khamenei, “he accelerated efforts to rebuild them and bury them deep underground, under high mountains.”
Despite military successes, Netanyahu acknowledged limitations regarding internal Iranian political transformation. “We can create conditions for regime change, but it is up to Iran’s people to take to the streets,” he said. “I can’t say with certainty the Iranian people will overthrow the regime, but we can certainly help.”
Addressing Iranians directly, Netanyahu proclaimed, “The moment you can set out on a new path of freedom is getting closer.” He cautioned about uncertainty surrounding potential change in Tehran, saying “It’s not certain that this will happen – it depends on the Iranian people.” Using an analogy, he added, “You can bring a man to water, but you can’t force him to drink.”
Regarding northern border fighting, Netanyahu said Hezbollah continues facing intense pressure while maintaining some military capability. “Hezbollah feels the comfort of our arm and will pay a very heavy price for its aggression,” he declared.
When questioned about previous assertions of Hezbollah’s defeat, Netanyahu argued Israel had prevented catastrophic scenarios. “We talked then about 150,000 rockets and missiles, about the destruction of the towers in Tel Aviv, about the eyes of ruins in the rest of the country, and about 15,000 to 20,000 dead. All of this did not materialize because we dealt them a tremendous blow, but that does not mean that they did not have any residual fire left.”
He predicted continued weakening, stating, “Tomorrow they will be even weaker—both Iran and Hezbollah.”
Netanyahu revealed he had cautioned Lebanon’s government against permitting Hezbollah operations within its borders. “I told them, ‘you’re playing with fire,’” he said. “We will exact a heavy price from Hezbollah, and I hope Lebanon’s government is [with] us.”
When asked about specific threats to Mojtaba Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, Netanyahu remained cryptic. “I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization … I don’t intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do.”
