Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the citizens of Iran in a statement, saying “the people of Iran must know – Israel is with you.”

“Every day, you see a regime that subjugates you, makes fiery speeches about the defense of Lebanon, the defense of Gaza. However, every day, this regime plunges our region deeper and deeper into darkness and deeper into war,” Netanyahu said in his video message to Iranian citizens in English.

“Every moment that passes, the regime brings you – the noble Persian people – closer to the abyss,” he added. “The vast majority of Iranians know that their regime does not care about them at all. If he really cared, if he cared about you, he would stop wasting billions of dollars on futile wars all over the Middle East. It would start improving your life. Imagine if all the vast sums wasted by the regime on nuclear weapons and foreign wars were invested in educating your children, improving your health care, building your nation’s infrastructure, water, sewage, all the other things you need. Imagine that.”

“When Iran is finally liberated – and that moment will come much sooner than people think – everything will be different,” he said. “Our two ancient peoples, the Hebrew and the Persian people, will at last be at peace. Our two countries, Israel and Iran, will be at peace.

“When that day comes, the terrorist network that built the regime on five continents will be dismantled. Iran will enjoy prosperity like never before. With global investment, huge tourism. Brilliant technological innovation based on the vast talent available in Iran. Doesn’t that sound better than endless poverty, repression and war?’

Netanyahu concluded: “Don’t let a small group of fanatic theocrats crush your hopes and dreams. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. The whole world deserves better. I know you don’t support the rapists and murderers of Hamas and Hezbollah, but your leaders do. You deserve more. The people of Iran should know – Israel stands by you. May we experience a future of prosperity and peace together.”