Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message to the Iranian people (Photo: Screenshot)
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, spoke directly to the people of Iran in a video message released on Tuesday. In the wake of chronic water shortages, among other problems, the prime minister offered hope and encouragement to Iranians who are facing extreme challenges under the current regime.
He commented on remarks from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who acknowledged on Sunday that “We have problems with water, electricity, money and inflation – where don’t we have a problem? There won’t be any water in the dams by September or October.”
The Iranian government plans to transfer water from Taleqan Dam to Tehran, but following an unprecedented drought that has plagued Iran over the last year, precipitation levels plunged to 41% compared to the previous year, according to the Tehran Times, and the dam’s depleted reserves will only last a short time.
“They lie through their teeth, but on rare occasions, they tell the truth,” Netanyahu told Iranian citizens, referring to Iranian leaders. “He’s right, everything is collapsing.”
The prime minister continued, “To live like this is not fair to you. It’s not fair to your children, but I have very good news: Israel is the number one recycler of water in the world. We recycle 90 percent of our waste water and we lead the world in desalination. We know exactly what to do so Iran can also have plentiful water.”
With decades of expertise in water management, Israel has assisted many nations facing water scarcity, including Iran.
“Almost a decade ago, I opened a Telegram channel in Farsi to teach water management to Iranians. 100,000 Iranians joined almost instantly,” Netanyahu said, adding, “The thirst for water in Iran is only matched by the thirst for freedom.”
Netanyahu offered assistance from Israel to the Iranian people, saying, “The moment your country is free, Israel’s top water experts will flood into every Iranian city bringing cutting-edge technology and know-how. We will help Iran recycle water, we’ll help Iran desalinate water.”
He then proceeded to paint a picture of a future time when there could be an abundance of water.
“What would that look like? Just imagine water skiing again in the Karaj Dam with your families. Imagine walking hand-in-hand with your partner next to the bountiful river in Farahzad, which is now completely dried up. Imagine the parched trees in Niavaran and Darband getting as much plentiful water as the trees in IRGC strongholds. Imagine restoring the once stunning Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran.”
“All of this is not a dream. This can be your reality,” Netanyahu said, before turning to the barriers to that freedom, and the violation of rights they currently suffer under the ayatollah.
“Instead of making this a reality, your dictators impose tyranny and poverty upon you – just as they impose war on us. For 46 years, you have been denied the most basic human rights. The right to express yourselves freely. To write, speak and sing whatever you please.”
“I have here the books of Iranians, impressive Iranian dissidents who write the truth, and speak the truth,” Netanyahu told them. “But it’s published outside Iran. Such repression. Such cruelty. You, the descendants of Cyrus the Great, deserve much more,” he insisted.
Netanyahu harshly criticized the decisions of the Iranian leadership, which led to the war with Israel, squandering billions on terrorism against the Jewish state.
“The tyrants of Tehran preferred sending hundreds of billions of dollars not to you, (but) to Hamas, Hezbollah (and) to the Houthis – instead of funding your hospitals, your schools and your roads. It doesn’t have to be this way,” he said, adding, “I urge you to be bold and brave – to dare to dream. Take risks for freedom. For your futures. For your families. It’s worth it!”
He urged listeners to “take to the streets. Demand justice. Demand accountability. Protest tyranny. Build a better future for your families and for all Iranians. Do not let these fanatic mullahs ruin your lives for a minute longer. And know this: You are not alone. I stand with you. Israel stands with you. The entire free world stands with you.”
“As our founding father, Theodor Herzl, said, ‘If you will it, it is no dream.’ And I say to you, if you will it, a free Iran is no dream.”
He addressed the Iranian population directly, hoping to inspire regime change from within, after the decision was made not to depose the regime through military intervention during Israel’s Operation Rising Lion .
“Now is the time for action. Now is the time to fight for freedom,” he told them, concluding his message with words in Farsi: “Iran Baraye Irani! [Iran for Iranians]”
