Netanyahu says Iran regime's fall is 'within reach'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on September 3 that toppling Iran's Islamic republic was “within reach”, describing the regime as weaker than ever as the United States resumed attacks.

“This regime is currently teetering. It is weaker than ever. It is fighting for its survival,” Netanyahu said at an event with Israeli military leaders.

“I am convinced that we can remove this threat once and for all — that is, to overthrow this regime,” he said. “That is the central task that still lies ahead of us, but it is close. It is not impossible. It is within reach.”

Netanyahu launched a joint attack on Iran with the United States in late February, after decades of describing Iran's cleric-run state as an existential threat. President Donald Trump called a ceasefire in April.

The United States has imposed more economic pressure and resumed strikes this week. Iran fired back at US allies in the Gulf, Jordan and Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, but not Israel.

“If they're not attacking us, it is not by chance,” Netanyahu said. “They attack everyone, but not us. They know our power — the strength of our arms — and our determination.”

The remarks came before October 27 general elections in which some polls show Netanyahu trailing. Opposition leaders accuse him of failing on Iran.