# Netanyahu Directs Military to Overthrow Iranian Regime Ahead of Election

> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed Israel's military and intelligence agencies to overthrow the Iranian regime, calling it vital for Israel's existence, days before a general election.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-25T19:54:54.058808Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/netanyahu-directs-military-to-overthrow-iranian-regime-ahead-of-election-2c9e51ea

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 21, 2026, explicitly directed Israel's military and intelligence agencies to overthrow the Iranian regime [2][11][12][14]. He declared this action is the "only viable path" to secure Israel's existence from the threat Iran poses [11][12][14].

This declaration elevates regime change in Iran as a primary objective for Israel, occurring just days before Israel's general election on October 27, 2026 [1][7][10]. The directive comes as both the United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for renewed military strikes on Iranian facilities after the US midterm elections [3][13].

## What the records show

Prime Minister Netanyahu's directive to overthrow the Iranian regime was articulated on October 21, 2026, during a graduation ceremony for Israel Defense Forces officer cadets [2][11]. He reiterated this stance in an interview with Israel's Channel 14 television, stating, "If we do not overthrow this regime, it will destroy us" [12]. Netanyahu has consistently argued that the Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions remain a chief threat, insisting that toppling the regime is a key strategic objective [1]. He described Tehran as the head of a "poisonous octopus" whose removal, he argued, would also bring down Hezbollah in Lebanon [17].

The United States and Israel are reportedly preparing for renewed strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3 [3]. A New York Times report from October 21, citing US officials, details specific plans for a short and intensive operation [3]. Iranian security officials have communicated that Tehran has prepared plans to damage undersea communications infrastructure in response to potential renewed US and Israeli military strikes [5].

## The timeline

Recent US and Israeli military operations against Iran began on February 28, with attacks occurring in June 2025 during an earlier round of US-Iran nuclear diplomacy [16][19]. On October 18, 2026, Netanyahu vowed to "bring it down," referring to the Iranian regime, as Israelis prepared to vote [1]. By October 21, Netanyahu explicitly stated his directive to the IDF, Mossad, and security agencies to overthrow the Iranian regime [2][11][12][14]. Israel's general election is scheduled for October 27, 2026 [1][7][10]. Following the US midterm elections on November 3, 2026, the US and Israel are reportedly preparing for renewed military actions against Iran [3][13].

## What changed and for whom

Netanyahu has stated that Israel adopted a more aggressive approach to regional security following the October 7, 2023, attack, with military campaigns against Iran and its proxies demonstrating the effectiveness of this strategy [1]. He has consistently welcomed the prospect of the Islamic Republic's collapse, placing the removal of Iran's leadership at the forefront of his message as Israelis prepare to vote [17]. This approach shifts the focus from merely weakening Iran militarily to actively pursuing regime change [17].

For Israeli voters, the upcoming election is seen as highly consequential [7]. While the cost of living remains a top concern for many, the "war with Iran" ranks first for 21% of voters in Netanyahu's coalition [7]. In Iran, residents have described growing anxiety, with some reportedly preparing to leave Tehran amidst fears of renewed attacks [13].

## What the subject has said publicly

Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly stated that toppling the Iranian regime is Israel's key strategic objective [1]. He told cadets on October 21, 2026, "Therefore, there is only one way to remove this threat once and for all: to topple the regime in Iran, and that is my directive to the IDF, the Mossad and the security agencies" [11]. He emphasized that Israel's very existence depends on overthrowing the regime, arguing that if it acquires nuclear bombs, Israel "will no longer exist" [12].

US President Donald Trump has outlined his administration's objectives regarding Iran. These include preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon, limiting its military capabilities, obliterating its ballistic missile arsenal, annihilating its navy, and severing its support for proxy forces [8][9][15][19][21]. Trump has also stated that he aims to make the outcomes of military operations "permanent" [15].

## What we could not confirm

We could not confirm the specific operational details or timing of the reported renewed US and Israeli military strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections [3][13]. The exact nature and scope of Iran's plans to damage undersea communications infrastructure in response to potential strikes also remain unconfirmed [5]. The precise impact of Netanyahu's directive on the outcome of Israel's October 27 general election could not be confirmed prior to the vote [7].

## Evidence cited
1. (October 18 2026) On Iran: 'I will bring it down'

 ... “We changed the Middle East because we changed ourselves,” Netanyahu said, arguing that Israel's military campaigns against Iran and its regional proxies post-October 7 demonstrated the effectiveness of the more aggressive approach. The Iranian regime's nuclear ambitions remain chief among the outstanding threats, Netanyahu told reporters, insisting that toppling the regime continues to be the key strategic objective, even after Israel's ca — https://timesofisrael.com/
2. (October 21 2026) "My directive to the IDF, the Mossad, and the defense establishment... [is] to overthrow the regime in Iran," the prime minister said at the graduation ceremony for IDF officer cadets on Wednesday afternoon. — https://jpost.com/
3. (October 22 2026) The Houthis posted footage of fighters in vehicles at various geolocated positions along a segment of the Taiz-Aden ground line of communication (GLOC) in the al Dhabab valley between al Misrakh District and Taiz City's southwestern limits. The United States and Israel are reportedly making preparations for renewed strikes on Iran after the US midterm elections. The New York Times reported on October 21 that the US and Israeli militaries have developed specific plans for a shor — https://understandingwar.org/
4. (October 22 2026) Israel's economy, already bled by mobilisation and missile fire, would not survive a prolonged war of attrition. And Trump would be trapped in a crisis that consumes the rest of his presidency and leaves a wreck for his successors,” Nasri said. Fars news agency, which is close to the IRGC, said Iran had issued directives to its various military and operational units “stipulating that in the event of a new widespread war, involving the assassination of Iranian officials and the  — https://theguardian.com/
5. (October 24 2026) An Israeli special operations veteran urged the United States and Israel on Friday to focus future military strikes on preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear and missile capabilities. Aaron Cohen, founder of Gideon, told FOX Business' "Kudlow" that previous U.S. and Israeli operations had significantly weakened Iran's military infrastructure, but warned that Tehran could restore its capabilities without continued pressure. Cohen pointed to reported activity at Iran's under — https://foxnews.com/
6. 2026 Israeli legislative election - Wikipedia (Wikipedia) — https://wikipedia.org/
7. (October 25 2026) When Israelis go the polls on October 27, they will face a familiar question: Should Benjamin Netanyahu, the country's longest-serving prime minister, stay in power? Nearly every recent election has been a referendum on Netanyahu. This time, many Israelis say the choice is more consequential than ever: not only about who will lead the country, but about where it is heading. It is the first national vote since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, the deadliest security failu — https://cnn.com/
8. Israel's Critical Election: What to Know | Council on Foreign Relations (Council on Foreign Relations) — https://cfr.org/
9. When is the next Israeli election? | Britannica (Britannica) — https://britannica.com/
10. Israel is heading to the polls on October 27. Here's how Israeli elections work, who's running and the biggest issues shaping the 2026 race. By Netta Asner-Minster. Israeli law makers vote as Israeli Knesset approves dissolution bill in preliminary reading on May 20, 2026 in Jerusalem. (Photo by Amir Levy/Getty Images). Israel just announced that elections will take place on October 27th, 2026, setting the stage for yet another chapter in one of the world's most dynamic and complex parliamentary — https://unpacked.media/
11. (October 21 2026) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday said he instructed his country's military and intelligence leaders to pursue overthrowing the Iranian regime in Tehran. — https://washingtontimes.com/
12. (October 20 2026) Editor's note: this story was translated from the original VOA Persian article. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his directive to his country's Mossad intelligence agency, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), and the country's military intelligence agency is to “overthrow” the Islamic Republic of Iran. In an interview with Israel's Channel 14 television this week, Netanyahu discussed last summer's military operations against Iran. “First and foremost, we acted alone. — https://voanews.com/
13. (October 25 2026) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , who faces a close vote Tuesday, says Iran's leadership must be eliminated. U.S. President Donald Trump vows to “finish the job” in Iran eight months after the war began, as a third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops make their way to the region. Some fear attacks just after the U.S. midterms on Nov. 3. The Associated Press spoke with Tehran residents who described growing anxiety. Some were preparing to leave the capital. Iran's — https://washingtonpost.com/
14. (October 23 2026) "Therefore, the only way to eliminate this threat once and for all is to overthrow the Iranian regime," he added, noting, "This is the directive I am giving to the Israel Defense Forces, the Mossad [intelligence agency], and the security agencies." Netanyahu emphasized that as long as Iran's current regime remains in power, Israel's survival will inevitably face threats. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was suspected of pursuing nuclear weapons development while seeking regional hegemony — https://sbs.co.kr/
15. (October 24 2026) Trump argued that his goal was to prevent Iran from eventually developing a nuclear weapon, saying an earlier US operation involving B-2 bombers would not have been enough to guarantee a lasting outcome. “I've got to make it permanent,” he said. “That's the only reason I'm doing it.” The president also claimed that oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had increased compared with before the war began, without providing figures during his remarks. He offered no firm decisio — https://aa.com.tr/
16. (October 22 2026) Once the elections are over, President Donald Trump promised last month, the Iranian regime would quickly capitulate. “I think the war is going to end immediately after the election,” Trump said. “They can't hold out any longer.” Renewed strikes could complicate that outlook. Some officials have reportedly argued that resuming attacks for an intense but limited campaign would hasten Iran's economic collapse, especially as the country has been squeezed by an ongoing U.S. blockad — https://time.com/
17. (October 20 2026) Netanyahu argued that weakening Iran militarily would not guarantee Israel's security. As long as the Islamic Republic remains in power, he said, it will attempt to rebuild its nuclear capabilities and regional network. “Finishing the job means bringing down the terrorist regime in Iran,” Netanyahu said, describing Tehran as the head of a “poisonous octopus” whose removal, he argued, would also bring down Hezbollah in Lebanon. The declaration followed discussions with US Presid — https://iranintl.com/
18. Iran Travel Advisory — https://usembassy.gov/
19. (October 21 2026) Why It Matters. ... The Trump administration launched operations against Iran on Feb. 28, with President Donald Trump citing objectives that included preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and "[razing] their missile industry to the ground." — https://legis1.com/
20. (June 19 2026) President Donald J. Trump and Vice President JD Vance have secured a historic breakthrough by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran. Forged through decisive American strength, this agreement ensures Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon, reopens the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation, and puts America First — rejecting the failed policies of appeasement, cash payoffs, and endless wars that have weakened the United States for decades. Here's what they're saying: Sen. J — https://whitehouse.gov/
21. (June 18 2026) The MOU provides for sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and vague Iranian commitments on its nuclear program. As negotiations commence on a final nuclear agreement, Congress must receive complete information on the deal and play a critical role in ensuring a final deal meets President Trump's stated objectives for the war: “Obliterate Iran's ballistic missile arsenal and production capability, annihilate its navy, sever its support for ter — https://aipac.org/
22. (October 22 2026) Trump said last week he may have to strike the site, because any Iranian push for nuclear weapons is intolerable. “They would use it,” he warned. US and Israeli strikes in 2025 and 2026 set Iran's nuclear program back by more than two years. Now the Islamic Republic is attempting to make up for lost time by rebuilding its nuclear-weapons option underground. In addition to Pickaxe, Tehran is openly reconstituting its program at several sites that should top the US target lists. — https://fdd.org/
23. (October 23 2026) I. sraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared that overthrowing Iran's government remains Israel's primary objective, raising the prospect of another military confrontation with Tehran despite growing doubts over whether Israel possesses the capabilities or international backing needed to achieve regime change. Netanyahu's remarks come ahead of Israel's national elections next week, as his government faces declining public support and mounting questions about its reg — https://politicstoday.org/