Netanyahu Hopes Strikes on Iran Will Lead to Uprising and Regime Change

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Israeli attacks have targeted the command centers of Iran’s repressive, internal security forces in hopes that Iranians will overthrow their rulers. Some see that as wishful thinking.

Israeli attacks on Iran have been targeting the country’s internal security services as part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy to destabilize the authoritarian government and create the conditions for a popular uprising.

Israel has already killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and announced on Tuesday that it killed the country’s top security official, Ali Larijani. Beyond that, the Israeli military has been heavily bombing the security forces that have quashed wave after wave of anti-government protests in Iran.

Some former Israeli military officials dismissed Mr. Netanyahu’s strategy as unrealistic, arguing that Iran’s internal security services are too deeply entrenched and powerful. Other experts, however, argue that Israel should try to bring about a change in leadership, while acknowledging that airstrikes alone will not be enough without a popular uprising.

Mr. Netanyahu has said that Israel’s air campaign has delivered “crushing blows” to Iran’s security apparatus and will create “optimal” conditions for Iranians to oust their government.

“I’m telling the Iranian people,” Mr. Netanyahu said at a news conference last week. “The moment you can come out for freedom is getting closer. We are standing beside you and helping you. But at the end of the day, it’s up to you.” » | Adam Rasgon, Ronen Bergman and David M. Halbfinger | Adam Rasgon and David M. Halbfinger reported from Jerusalem and Ronen Bergman reported from Tel Aviv. | Wednesday, March 18, 2026