Israel Pushes for Regime Change in Iran Amid War

As joint military operations between Israel and the United States continue against Iran, Israeli leaders are increasingly signaling that their broader goal goes beyond military strikes. According to analysts and public statements, Israel is aiming for regime change inside Iran.

Netanyahu Calls on Iranians to Overthrow Government

After the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people directly in Farsi.

In his message, Netanyahu urged Iranians to take to the streets in large numbers and “overthrow the regime of fear.” He said their sacrifices would not be in vain and described the ongoing US-Israeli airstrikes as the help many Iranians had been waiting for.

The joint strikes have reportedly killed more than 555 people in Iran, including 180 students at a girls’ school in the south of the country.

Analysts Question Israel’s Real War Goals

Experts believe Israel’s war aim is not limited to weakening Iran’s military capabilities. Ahron Bregman, a senior fellow at the Department for War Studies at King’s College London, said it is clear Israel wants regime change in Iran.

However, some analysts question whether Israeli leaders are truly concerned about a smooth political transition in Iran. Former Israeli government adviser Daniel Levy suggested that Israel may be more interested in weakening Iran as a state rather than ensuring stable leadership afterward.

According to Levy, some Israeli leaders believe that if Iran collapses internally, it would remove a major regional rival and give Israel more freedom to act across the Middle East.

Mixed Reactions Inside Iran

Inside Iran, public opinion appears divided. Some opposition groups see the current crisis as an opportunity to challenge the government. These groups include those calling for a return to monarchy and others demanding a full democratic system.

At the same time, many Iranians have rallied behind the government following the attacks and the killing of Khamenei, viewing the strikes as foreign aggression.

Strong Public Support in Israel

Despite Iranian missile attacks targeting Israel, public support for the war remains strong within Israel. Years of warnings by Israeli leaders about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence have shaped public opinion.

Politicians from across the political spectrum have backed the military campaign. Opposition leaders such as Yair Golan, Yair Lapid, and Naftali Bennett have expressed support for the operation against Iran.

Political analyst Mitchell Barak said many Israelis believe Iran poses a direct threat and see the joint operation with the United States as a historic moment. According to him, there is strong determination among Israelis to continue the campaign.

Uncertainty Over War’s Duration

While public backing remains high in Israel, the duration of the war may depend heavily on US policy decisions. The United States provides significant military and diplomatic support to Israel.

There are growing questions about how long Gulf countries will tolerate Iranian retaliation linked to the conflict. Regional pressure on US President Donald Trump could also influence future decisions.

Analysts warn that if US priorities shift, Israel could face the risk of continuing the conflict with less international support.