Netanyahu promises Iran regime change: Can Israel topple Tehran’s government?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says overthrowing Iran’s government remains Israel’s “primary objective” as his poll support declines ahead of next week’s national elections. His remarks followed conversations with US President Donald Trump and a visit to Israel by Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, but there is no indication Washington has agreed to join a new offensive. Analysts say Israel can inflict serious damage but lacks a clear strategy to turn military gains into regime change; air strikes alone are unlikely to achieve that, while a ground invasion would require a much greater commitment. Iran has survived two rounds of attacks and retains the ability to retaliate against Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.