Netanyahu Calls for Overthrow of Iran’s Government, Warns of Looming Pressure to Accept a Nuclear Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that overthrowing Iran’s government is the only way to permanently eliminate what he calls the Iranian nuclear threat, warning that Israel will soon face international pressure to accept a nuclear-armed Iran. ⠀ Addressing the newly sworn-in Knesset on November 10, Netanyahu accused Tehran of attempting to revive its nuclear capabilities and insisted that removing Iran’s leadership was the only lasting solution. ⠀ “The only way to eliminate the Iranian threat forever is to topple the ayatollah’s regime,” he said. ⠀ Netanyahu also warned that Israel would face growing pressure to abandon what he described as major military and territorial achievements. ⠀ He specifically cited Israeli security zones in Syria, Lebanon and deep inside Gaza, as well as Israel’s position in the occupied West Bank, where he predicted international efforts to impose the establishment of a Palestinian state. ⠀ “A Palestinian state under Iranian patronage would be even worse than what we have known,” Netanyahu argued, claiming that its purpose would be to destroy Israel. ⠀ Turning to domestic politics, Netanyahu warned against establishing a government dependent on parties he described as “Israel-haters,” referring to Arab parties that could support an alternative coalition. He called instead for a national unity government capable of confronting the challenges he outlined. ⠀ His speech followed Israel’s October 27 election, which cost his coalition its parliamentary majority. President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, leaving Netanyahu fighting to retain power as diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war continue.