In a surprising diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct statement to the people of Iran, bypassing the country's leadership to address its citizens. The statement, released today, marks a significant shift in Israel's communication strategy towards Iran.
"I speak a lot about the leaders of Iran. Yet at this pivotal moment, I want to address you – the people of Iran," Netanyahu began, setting the tone for a message that sought to distinguish between the Iranian government and its populace.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the people of Iran:
people of Iran should know - Israel stands with you.
— AP (@AP_from_NY) September 30, 2024
The Israeli leader didn't mince words when criticizing the current Iranian regime. "Every day, you see a regime that subjugates you, make fiery speeches about defending Lebanon, defending Gaza. Yet every day, that regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war," he stated. Netanyahu also asserted Israel's military capabilities, warning, "Every day, their puppets are eliminated. Ask Mohammed Deif. Ask Nasrallah. There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country."
A significant portion of Netanyahu's message focused on economic issues, accusing the Iranian government of mismanaging resources at the expense of its citizens. "The vast majority of Iranians know their regime doesn't care a whit about them. If it cared about you, it would stop wasting billions of dollars on futile wars across the Middle East. It would start improving your lives," he argued. The prime minister painted a picture of what Iran could achieve if these resources were redirected toward education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Looking to the future, Netanyahu envisioned a prosperous Iran free from its current leadership. "When Iran is finally free and that moment will come a lot sooner than people think – everything will be different," he predicted. He described a future where Israel and Iran could be at peace, benefiting from global investment, tourism, and technological innovation.
In a direct appeal to Iranian citizens, Netanyahu stated, "From Qom to Esfahan, from Shiraz to Tabriz, there are tens of millions of good and decent people with thousands of years of history behind them and a brilliant future ahead of them. Don't let a small group of fanatic theocrats crush your hopes and your dreams. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. The entire world deserves better. I know you don't support the rapists and murderers of Hamas and Hezbollah, but your leaders do." He concluded with a message of solidarity: "The people of Iran should know – Israel stands with you."
The effectiveness and reach of this message within Iran remain to be seen, given the Iranian government's tight control over media within the country. It will be crucial to monitor both the Iranian government's response and any potential reaction from the Iranian public.
