Netanyahu’s Call for Liberation in Iran
In Beersheba, approximately a thousand kilometers and 2,500 years from Babylon, Benjamin Netanyahu proposed that the moment has arrived for Jews to repay their ancient obligation to Cyrus the Great and deliver liberation to Iran.
Incident at Soroka Hospital
Netanyahu had just toured Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, which had sustained a direct hit from an Iranian missile earlier that day. As a result, Israel’s leaders were already deeming the situation miraculous, given the circumstances.
Miraculous Escape
The hospital’s director had recently ordered evacuations from the upper floors, and the last patients were moved just hours before the missile struck. Had he not intervened, Soroka could have faced the worst loss of life for Israel since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu’s Resurgence
After appearing to lose his grip on power 20 months ago, Netanyahu now carries himself with a renewed sense of purpose amid two ongoing wars and a death toll exceeding 55,000. He contemplates reshaping the Middle East and has floated the idea of regime change in Iran, urging the Iranian populace to overthrow their clerical rulers.
History and Future
“We may create conditions that will help them do it,” Netanyahu stated, implying that Israeli military actions could pave the way for the Iranian people’s freedom—a nod to historic ties dating back to Cyrus the Great’s liberation of the Jews.
Military Campaign Considerations
While Netanyahu draws parallels to historical events, he acknowledges that an aerial campaign may not achieve the same results as a ground invasion. He frames Iran’s actions as monstrous, emphasizing the distinction between Israel’s targeting of missile sites and Iran’s attacks on civilian areas.
International Perspectives
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contended that the missile aimed at an Israeli military site and that Soroka only incurred superficial damage. Nevertheless, the actual damage contradicts this claim, highlighting the complexities of the narratives from both sides. Ultimately, Netanyahu’s vision for liberation may hinge on international relationships and support from figures like Donald Trump, whom he regards as a potential ally.
