Fact Check: "Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 7, 2023, that Israel's fight is against the Islamic regime in Iran, not the Iranian people."
What We Know
On October 7, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a public statement addressing the Iranian people. He explicitly stated, "Israel's fight is not against the Iranian people. Our fight is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you" (source-1). This statement was part of a broader appeal for the Iranian populace to unite against their government, which he characterized as oppressive and harmful to its citizens. Netanyahu urged Iranians to "stand up and let your voices be heard," indicating a clear distinction between the Iranian regime and its people (source-2).
Analysis
The claim that Netanyahu stated Israel's fight is against the Iranian regime, not the Iranian people, is substantiated by multiple sources. His remarks were made during a period of heightened military actions by Israel against Iranian targets, which he framed as necessary to protect both Israel and the Iranian populace from the regime's oppressive actions (source-3).
The sources reporting on this event, including major news outlets like Fox News and The Jerusalem Post, are generally considered reliable. They provide direct quotes from Netanyahu, which reinforces the accuracy of the claim. However, it is important to note that the context of these statements is politically charged, as they were made during military operations against Iran, which may influence the interpretation of his words (source-4).
Critically, while Netanyahu's statement aims to differentiate between the Iranian people and their government, it is essential to consider the broader implications of such rhetoric. Analysts have pointed out that while Netanyahu's intentions may be to rally support for regime change, the framing of the conflict can also lead to further polarization and misunderstanding between nations and peoples (source-5).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The evidence clearly supports the claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 7, 2023, that Israel's fight is against the Islamic regime in Iran, not the Iranian people. His remarks were made in a direct appeal to the Iranian populace, emphasizing their struggle against their oppressive government. The sources providing this information are credible and consistent in their reporting.
