Netanyahu Renews Call to Remove Iran’s Government

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains committed to removing Iran’s government, describing it as the country’s primary objective and arguing that Tehran could renew efforts to develop nuclear weapons and rebuild regional alliances if it remains in power. Netanyahu made the remarks on October 20 at an event marking the opening of the academic year at Tel Hai University in Kiryat Shmona. He said he had discussed removing the Iranian government with U.S. President Donald Trump more than once, including in a conversation on October 18. Netanyahu argued that Iran’s leadership would try again to pursue nuclear weapons and rebuild what he called its regional axis. He also predicted that Hezbollah would be eliminated if Iran’s government fell and said that would bring peace with Lebanon. Those claims and predictions were his own; the reports did not independently establish Iran’s intentions or the consequences of a change in government. A separate call released on October 19 included Netanyahu telling Trump they had a job to finish, but it identified no military operation or timetable. The available statements therefore do not establish that either government...