Israel backs Iran protesters as Netanyahu hopes nation is ‘freed from tyranny’

Israel backs Iran’s freedom protests

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday offered his first public reaction to the ongoing unrest in Iran, voicing support for the protesters and expressing hope that the Islamic Republic would be “liberated from the yoke of tyranny,” allowing the two nations to one day restore ties.

“Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country. The people of Israel, and the entire world, stand in awe of the immense bravery of Iran’s citizens,” Netanyahu said at the start of a government meeting.

He added: “Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the mass killings of innocent civilians. We all hope that the Persian nation will soon be liberated from the yoke of tyranny, and when that day comes, Israel and Iran will once again be faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both nations.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the start of the Government meeting:"Israel is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. The protests for freedom have spread throughout the country. pic.twitter.com/3tAvf3M5bA

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 11, 2026

Netanyahu’s remarks came as Iran remains gripped by days of deadly demonstrations that began over rising living costs and economic stagnation, before evolving into a broader challenge to the clerical establishment that has ruled since the 1979 revolution.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We support the Iranian people’s struggle for freedom and wish them success.” He added, “We think they deserve freedom… We don’t have any hostility with the people of Iran.”

The comments followed sharp warnings from Iran’s leadership. Iran’s parliament speaker cautioned that the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if Washington strikes Tehran amid the unrest, following repeated threats by US President Donald Trump.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, a hardline figure who has previously run for president, told lawmakers that if the US launched an attack, “both the occupied territory and centres of the US military and shipping will be our legitimate targets.” Iranian authorities have repeatedly accused the United States and Israel of fomenting unrest and attempting to undermine national unity.

An Israeli military official said the army was closely tracking developments and was “preparing defensively.” Iran and Israel fought a brief but intense conflict in June 2025 that included unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, later joined by US forces on Trump’s orders.

Any escalation toward war would ultimately depend on Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is 86. Meanwhile, pressure on Tehran continues to mount, with the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reporting that at least 203 people have been killed since the protests began.

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has also urged demonstrators to remain on the streets and overthrow the Islamic system, as some protesters have raised slogans in support of the former monarchy.