Says Iranian Government Fears Its People More Than Israel, PM Netanyahu: They're Trying To Block You

JAKARTA - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a direct message to the Iranian people on Tuesday that the Tehran government led by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was more afraid of the Iranian people than Israel.

"That's why they spend so much time and money trying to destroy expectations and curb your dreams," he said in a video message.

"Okay, I'll tell you this: Don't let your dreams die. I hear whispers: Women, Life, Freedom. Zan, Zendegi, Azadi," he said, referring to the movement of women's rights in Iran.

"Don't give up. And know, Israel and other countries in the free world support you," said Prime Minister Netanyahu.

In his message, he referred to Iran's ballistic missile strike on October 1 against Israel, saying the attack cost about 2.3 billion US dollars of "Your valuable money", but caused minor damage to Israel.

Israel then retaliated by attacking Iran on October 26. Tehran promised to respond to the attack.

Previously, PM Netanyahu had conveyed calls addressed directly to the Iranian people, as well as to civilians in Gaza and Lebanon.

He said life in Iran could be different if the country was free and funds could be used for education, roads, water and hospitals, not war.

"But that is what the Khamenei regime denies every day. They are obsessed with destroying Israel, instead of building Iran," he said.

"I know you don't want this war. I also don't want this war. The Israeli people don't want this war," he said.