Netanyahu to IDF brass: Iran regime change is Israel’s ‘main task’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a toast on Thursday ahead of the Jewish New Year with Minister of Defense Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and members of the IDF General Staff Forum at the Kirya Base in Tel Aviv.

In his remarks to the generals, Netanyahu set the collapse of the Iranian regime as Israel's top objective.

At the start of his remarks, Netanyahu discussed the various achievements of the war and the recent operations. "What was achieved in the three years of the War of Redemption and in the time since Roaring Lion, and even beforehand, Rising Lion, are historic achievements that ensure our continued existence. We stood up to the threat of eradication by a regime that seeks to annihilate us and wants to use nuclear bombs to destroy us. We removed this threat as well as other threats."

The Prime Minister claimed that the regime's position has significantly weakened: "This regime is faltering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival, and I am confident that we can accomplish the main mission before us. I believe in the capabilities of our heroic soldiers, our heroic pilots and navigators, our entire defense apparatus, our home front and our strong people."

Netanyahu continued and declared that Israel is capable of removing the threat permanently: "I am convinced of our ability to remove this threat once and for all. That is, to topple this regime. That is the main task still before us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is in arm's reach."

Netanyahu also mentioned Iran's conduct towards Israel, "It's not for no reason that they don't attack us. They attack everyone, just not us. They know our might, our strength, and our determination."

Netanyahu closed out his remarks with a direct warning to Israel's enemies: "I tell our enemies, don't mess with us. If you've learned anything, don't mess with us. We have the power, the determination, and the eternal unity to overcome you, and that is what I wish for the people of Israel in the upcoming year, in the near future. Happy New Year."