Netanyahu Calls for Regime Change in Iran, Cites Trump Talks

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Tuesday that Israel is committed to achieving the downfall of the Iranian regime. Speaking at the academic year opening ceremony at Tel Hai Academic College in Kiryat Shmona, Netanyahu revealed he has discussed this objective multiple times with U.S. President Donald Trump, most recently two days prior.

Netanyahu asserted that toppling the Iranian regime would lead to the dismantling of Hezbollah and pave the way for peace with Lebanon. "But we must complete the elimination of the Iranian regime, that is the main thing," he said. He explained that as long as the regime persists, even if weakened, its fanaticism will drive it to attempt nuclear weapons development and re-establish its axis, as Israel previously thwarted. "Therefore, the only way to prevent this is to overthrow this regime, and then Hezbollah will also be eliminated in parallel," Netanyahu added.

The Prime Minister also addressed the Israeli military's operations in southern Lebanon and the improved security situation on the northern border. He credited Israeli soldiers and their combat efforts for transforming the situation, specifically mentioning the effort to push back and crush the Radwan force and establish a deeper, emptier security zone. "People have left, so it is completely different," he noted.

Netanyahu further emphasized the importance of establishing the university in Kiryat Shmona for the development of the Galilee region. He called for expanded collaboration between the academic institution and industry, and for the integration of artificial intelligence into study programs, stating, "This is our direction: security, transportation, higher education, it's all."