Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Israel no longer pursues regime change in Iran, emphasizing that overthrowing the Iranian government is not one of Israel’s aims.
In an interview with Israeli media, Netanyahu stated, “Our primary goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” He claimed that “halting Iran’s missile program is our second objective.”
He reaffirmed that while Israel remained concerned about Iran’s military goals, “regime change in Iran is not on our agenda.”
The words indicate a shift in Israel’s policy, with a focus on containment rather than direct political action in Iran.
In a separate update Iran has launched a missile attack on the southern Israeli city of Beersheba in its ongoing retaliatory operation against Israel, according to officials in Tehran.
According to foreign media reports, the missile strikes reportedly caused a major damage, sparking fires and structural damage. At least six people sustained minor injuries, according to Israeli authorities.
The strike, confirmed by Iranian state media, comes amid a sharp rise in regional tensions following a series of Israeli air raids on Iranian targets, including recent overnight strikes on Tehran.
According to the Iranian Ministry of Defence, Israeli attacks involved over 60 fighter jets and 120 munitions, targeting industrial zones but also resulting in significant civilian casualties. Tehran has denounced these actions as “unprovoked and unlawful aggression.”
A spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated that the missile strike was “carefully calibrated” to hit military infrastructure while avoiding civilian harm.
In response, Israeli emergency services rushed to the site in Beersheba. Fires broke out in the vicinity, heavy smoke was reported, and the city’s northern train station was temporarily closed. Authorities have advised residents to stay away from the area while emergency teams continue their operations.