Asger Risom
As Israel’s conflict with Tehran escalates, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarifies that regime change is not the official objective—though it may be an unintended consequence.
As military tensions deepen between Israel and Iran, questions are mounting over the broader strategic aims behind Jerusalem’s military operations.
While international observers speculate about long-term ambitions, Israel’s leadership is carefully managing expectations.
Regime change not on paper, but not off the table
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Thursday that the fall of Iran’s leadership is not an “explicit goal of Israel’s military campaign”, though it could emerge as a natural consequence of continued pressure.
In an interview with Kan public television, he emphasized that regime change remains a decision for the Iranian people.
“It could be a result, but it’s not a stated or formal goal that we have,” Netanyahu said, according to Reuters.
This clarification comes amid Israel’s ongoing offensive against Iran, now in its second week, targeting critical infrastructure and military capabilities.
The conflict follows a series of Iranian missile strikes, including one that hit the Soroka hospital in Beer Sheva.
Israel signals independence in military planning
Netanyahu also stressed Israel’s military autonomy, asserting that the country possesses the capability to eliminate Iran’s nuclear facilities—regardless of whether the United States offers support.
His comments allude to the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, a heavily fortified site buried deep beneath the mountains near Qom.
“We have the power to remove all our targets, all their nuclear facilities,” he said, while leaving the door open for U.S. cooperation.
“The president’s decision whether he wants to join or not is again his decision.”
The statement coincided with remarks from Donald Trump, who reiterated that the U.S. could dismantle Fordow on its own—but stopped short of committing to action. “That doesn’t mean I’m going to do it – at all,” Trump said Wednesday.
As regional tensions intensify, Netanyahu’s remarks appear aimed at balancing diplomatic caution with a message of readiness.
Whether or not Iran’s leadership survives the unfolding crisis, Israel is preparing for the consequences of its bold military calculus.