JERUSALEM, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that toppling Iran's government is now a central Israeli objective and "within reach," as regional tensions escalate.
"I am convinced of our ability to remove this threat once and for all. That means toppling this regime," Netanyahu told Israel's military general staff at a Jewish New Year event in Tel Aviv. "This is the central mission still ahead of us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach."
He said Iran's leadership was "weaker than ever" and "fighting for its life," warning Israel's enemies: "Don't mess with us."
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.
In recent weeks, the United States has stepped up economic pressure on Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declaring an "economic D-Day" against Iran, unveiling new sanctions aimed at further isolating its economy. ■
