Netanyahu declares toppling Iran's regime 'core mission,' says goal within reach

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared that toppling Iran's regime is Israel's "core mission," saying the goal is already within reach as the Islamic Republic grows weaker than ever.

Speaking Thursday (local time) at a Rosh Hashanah toast with the Israel Defense Forces General Staff Forum in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said Iran's regime "is currently shaking."

"Iran's regime is weaker than it has ever been and is fighting for its survival," he said, crediting Israel's sustained military campaign since Oct. 7, 2023, with significantly degrading the Iranian threat.

Netanyahu went on to name the regime's collapse as Israel's central objective. "I am confident in our ability to permanently eliminate this threat — that is, to bring down this regime," he said. "This is the core mission before us."

"That goal is getting closer," he added. "It is not impossible — it is within sight."

The remarks are notable for explicitly framing the fall of the current Iranian government — not merely the degradation of its military or nuclear capabilities — as an Israeli objective.

The statement comes as the United States and Iran have resumed armed conflict after a roughly month-long pause, and as Iran continues to strike American allies across the Middle East, with Israel now ratcheting up its own pressure on Tehran.

Netanyahu also pointed to Iran's restraint in attacking Israel directly as evidence that Israeli deterrence is working.

"It is no coincidence that they are not attacking us," he said. "They are attacking everyone except us."

"They know our strength, our strike capability, and our resolve," he added.

Netanyahu also issued a direct warning to hostile forces targeting Israel. "Don't mess with us," he said. "If you have learned anything, do not trifle with us."