As bombing continues, Israel’s war aim in Iran becomes clear: Regime change
Al Jazeera
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
As Israel continues its joint military operations with the United States against Iran, a clear objective has emerged: achieving regime change. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directly addressed Iranian citizens in Farsi, urging them to take to the streets and overthrow their government. This call follows recent airstrikes that have caused significant casualties, including the targeted killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and an attack on a girls' school that killed 180 people.
The push for regime change is not new for Israel but has gained momentum with recent actions. Netanyahu and his allies believe that toppling the Iranian regime would bring lasting stability to the region, despite skepticism from analysts who question the feasibility of a smooth transition. Ahron Bregman, a senior teaching fellow at King’s College London, notes that many Israelis support the war, viewing it as an opportunity to transform the Middle East for the better.
However, questions remain about Israel's commitment to ensuring a stable regime change. Daniel Levy, former Israeli government adviser, suggests that Israel is more interested in destabilizing Iran to create chaos rather than fostering a new, legitimate government. This approach could have broader implications, potentially destabilizing neighboring regions like Iraq and the Gulf. Levy also highlights Israel's growing interest in targeting Turkey as the next step, reflecting a shift in regional strategy.
The war's duration and outcome are uncertain, with international reactions and U.S. support playing significant roles. While Israel's military operations are largely funded by the U.S., public sentiment in America is increasingly critical of these actions. The situation in Iran is further complicated by internal divisions among Iranians, who have varying demands ranging from monarchy restoration to full democracy.
This conflict matters globally as it could reshape the Middle East and impact relations with key players
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 3/3/2026