Netanyahu Vows to Overthrow Iran's Regime, Calls Mission 'Within Reach'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that the mission to overthrow Iran's regime is still ahead of Israel but is "within reach." Speaking at a Rosh Hashanah event with the General Staff Forum, Netanyahu expressed confidence in Israel's ability to "remove this threat once and for all" and topple the Iranian government, which he described as "fighting for its life" and weaker than ever.

Netanyahu asserted that Iran's current leadership is struggling and that Israel possesses the strength, determination, and internal unity to overcome its enemies. He recalled past threats of annihilation by Iran and stated that Israel has successfully deterred attacks, unlike other nations. "They know our strength, our might, and our resolve," he added.

Earlier, Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that any attack would free Israel from its current constraints. Katz suggested that internal unrest in Iran could lead to desperation, and in the event of further conflict, Iran's energy infrastructure would be targeted.

Meanwhile, a Wall Street Journal report indicated that U.S. President Donald Trump had discussed ending the "war" with Iran with his advisors. The report, citing sources, suggested that Trump's political team is pushing for such a declaration to boost his standing before the November midterm elections. Trump reportedly believes economic pressure will lead to the Ayatollah regime's collapse and the end of its nuclear program. The U.S. military's burden and public opinion related to the deployment of approximately 50,000 troops in the Middle East are also factors being considered.

Trump himself tweeted that he was not forcing Iran to negotiate and was content with the current situation, which includes significant control over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's collapsing economy, questioning when the Iranian people would resist. However, U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal that there were no plans to escalate the military campaign, despite a House committee chairman anticipating increased fighting. Iran has continued to attack vessels, including Saudi oil tankers, in the Persian Gulf, with U.S. forces enforcing a blockade on Iran. The Iranian state news agency reported at least 11 Iranian civilians were killed in U.S. strikes. Iran responded by firing ballistic missiles toward Jordan, Bahrain, and U.S. targets in the Middle East, though Jordan reported no casualties and U.S. officials described the Iranian response as ineffective with no significant damage or U.S. casualties.