Netanyahu: We Will Overthrow Iran's Regime Without Trump's Permission

Washington-Damascus Agencies: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed yesterday that he has directed the Israeli military and intelligence agencies that the only acceptable solution is the overthrow of the Iranian regime, noting that he will brief U.S. President Donald Trump on Israel’s intended actions, but will not seek his green light to strike Iran. (See page 13).

Netanyahu escalated his rhetoric toward Iran as Israel’s elections approach, threatening yesterday a decisive and final blow, and affirming that the confrontation with Iran represents an existential battle with no alternative. The Israeli prime minister stated, “We have done it before, and we will do it now, delivering the decisive and final strike,” in reference to previous military operations targeting Iran.

He argued that the conflict between the two sides allows for no middle ground, saying, “In short, either we destroy them or they destroy us.” Netanyahu added that Israel had crushed its adversaries in Gaza, Lebanon, and Tehran itself, considering that 90% of the mission had been accomplished, with only 10% remaining. He said, “There is only one way to eliminate the threat once and for all: the overthrow of the regime in Iran, and that is my directive to the Israeli Defense Forces, Mossad, and security agencies.”

In this context, The New York Times reported that U.S. and Israeli forces have drawn up specific military plans to launch a new round of intense strikes on Iran following the U.S. midterm congressional elections, aiming to inflict severe damage on the Iranian economy and force Tehran to make diplomatic concessions after eight months of continuous conflict.