Tel Aviv [Israel], June 14 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct appeal to the Iranian people, urging them to rise against what he termed as an “evil and oppressive regime,” as Israel’s large-scale military campaign, Operation Rising Lion, continues to target Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure.
Speaking in a televised address on Saturday, Netanyahu stated, “Tonight I wish to speak to you, the proud people of Iran. We’re in the midst of one of the greatest military operations in history, Operation Rising Lion. The Islamic regime, which has oppressed you for nearly 50 years, threatens to destroy my country, the State of Israel. The objective of Israel’s military operation is to remove this threat, both the nuclear threat and the ballistic missile threat to Israel.”
He highlighted that Israel had already taken out senior Iranian military commanders, top nuclear scientists, a major uranium enrichment facility, and a substantial part of Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal. “More is on the way. The regime doesn’t know what hit them. They don’t know what will hit them,” he said.
Emphasizing the historic relationship between Iran and Israel, Netanyahu noted, “The nations of Iran and Israel have been great friends since the days of Cyrus the Great. And as we achieve our objectives, we’re also clearing the path for you to achieve yours — freedom.”
Netanyahu called on the Iranian people to unite under the banner of “Woman, Life, Freedom — Zan, Zendegi, Azadi,” the rallying cry of recent anti-regime protests in Iran. “The time has come for you to unite… to stand up for your freedom from an evil and oppressive regime. It has never been weaker. This is your opportunity to stand up and let your voices be heard,” he said.
He reiterated that Israel’s military action is not directed at the people of Iran. “Our fight is not with you, the brave people of Iran, whom we respect and admire. Our fight is with our common enemy — a murderous regime that both oppresses you and impoverishes you. Brave people of Iran, your light will defeat the darkness. I am with you. The people of Israel are with you.”
Operation Rising Lion, launched late Friday, marks one of Israel’s most significant military offensives in recent history. Netanyahu described the campaign as a mission to neutralize an existential threat posed by Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear weapons program and missile capabilities. “In recent years, Iran has produced enough highly enriched uranium for nine atom bombs… and is taking steps to weaponize this enriched uranium,” he warned.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded with a defiant message, vowing a fierce retaliation against Israel. In a series of posts on X, Khamenei declared, “The Zionist regime has made a big mistake… By God’s grace, the consequences of this will bring that regime to ruin.”
Calling for a strong response, Khamenei stated, “We will respond with strength and will show no mercy. Life will definitely become bitter for the Zionists.” He said that Iran’s Armed Forces were fully prepared to retaliate and had the full support of the Iranian government and its people. “This is a certainty — the Islamic Republic’s Armed Forces will deal heavy blows to this evil Zionist enemy. The Iranian people are with us… and the Islamic Republic will triumph over the Zionist regime, by the will of God.”
Tensions between the two long-time adversaries have reached a critical point, raising global concern over the risk of wider conflict in the Middle East. (ANI)
About The Author
