Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel’s current military campaign against Iran, dubbed Operation Rising Lion, could lead to regime change in Tehran.
The operation, which began with a surprise strike Friday, has reportedly killed top Iranian military leaders and damaged nuclear facilities.
While Israel says the official goal is dismantling Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, Netanyahu acknowledged regime change “could certainly be the result,” adding that the Iranian regime is “very weak.” He emphasized Israel's aim to eliminate two “existential threats”: Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
Netanyahu called the Iranian government “the world’s most dangerous regime” and said Israel acted not only to defend itself but to protect global security. He also urged the Iranian people to rise up against their clerical rulers.
The conflict escalated over the weekend with further exchanges of fire, leaving many dead. Iran has vowed to "open the gates of hell" in retaliation, while former U.S. President Donald Trump warned Tehran against striking American targets, promising a severe military response if it does.
Trump denied Iran’s claims of direct U.S. involvement in the Israeli offensive but confirmed that U.S. pilots have shot down Iranian drones aimed at Israel. Netanyahu said he informed Trump before Friday’s strikes but declined to comment on a Reuters report that Trump had previously vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Meanwhile, scheduled nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran were canceled after Tehran refused to negotiate while under attack. Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, while the West believes it may be designed to produce weapons.
Israel says the campaign could last for weeks, as fears of a broader regional war grow.