Naftali Bennett Claims Netanyahu Government Abandoned Plan to Topple Iranian Regime

Naftali Bennett, chairman of the Yachdav party and former Israeli prime minister, spoke at the Herzliya Conference, asserting that a plan to overthrow the Iranian regime, developed during his tenure, has been neglected by the current Netanyahu government. Bennett recounted asking Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the strategy toward Iran during a transition meeting, receiving no substantive response in the brief 20-minute handover.

Bennett revealed details from a 2022 security discussion document outlining the plan. It noted that periodic protests in Iran threaten the regime, which typically responds by shutting down the internet. To counter this, Bennett's team proposed ensuring continuous internet access in Iran by pre-installing satellite internet receivers, a feasible tactic to maintain communication during unrest. However, he criticized the Netanyahu administration for failing to implement this measure.

This public statement highlights a significant policy divergence between Bennett's approach and the current government's handling of Iranian affairs, emphasizing the strategic importance of internet continuity in undermining the Iranian regime's control during protests. Bennett's comments suggest a call for renewed focus on proactive measures against Iran's leadership.