Tel Aviv (Israel), November 13 (ANI): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Iran’s leadership is prioritizing the destruction of Israel over building a better Iran, describing it as a “shame”.

He emphasized that neither the Israelis nor the Iranians want a war. “I know you don’t want this war. I don’t want this war either. The people of Israel do not want this war. There is a force that puts your family in grave danger. The tyrants of Tehran. That’s it. But there is also good news. Day by day, that regime becomes weaker. Every day, Israel grows stronger. The world is seen only a fraction of our power. However, there is one thing Khamenei’s regime fears more than Israel. Do you know what it is? It is you, the people of Iran. That’s why they spend so much time and money trying to crush your hopes and curb your dreams. Well I’m telling you this, don’t let your dreams die. I hear your whispers, women, life, freedom. Don’t lose hope. And know that Israel and others in the free world stand with you,” he continued.

In his speech, Netanyahu also criticized the priorities of the Khamenei regime, urging Iranians to imagine a free future. “I have no doubt that one day, in a free Iran, Israelis and Iranians will build together a future of prosperity and peace. This is the future Israel deserves. This is the future Iran deserves. Together, let’s turn this beautiful dream into reality,” he said.

“A few weeks ago, I spoke directly to the people of Iran. Millions of people around the world, millions in Iran, saw that video. After seeing it, many Iranians came to Israel… the Khamenei regime launched hundreds of ballistic missiles into my country, Israel. I wonder, did he tell you how much the attack cost? Well, I don’t think so. That’s $2.3 billion. So much of your precious money they wasted on feudal raids. 2.3 billion USD,” he added.

Netanyahu said the attack “did marginal damage to Israel.”

“But what harm did he do you?” he asked. “That amount could have added billions to your transportation budget. It could have added billions to your education budget.”

“But instead, Khamenei exposed the brutality of the regime and turned the world against your country. He stole money from you that should have been yours,” the prime minister said.

Netanyahu argued that Iranians’ lives would change if the regime spent money on education, infrastructure and health care, instead of wars with Israel.

“I want you to imagine—just imagine—how your life might be different if Iran were free. You could speak your mind without fear. You could make a joke without wondering if you’d be sent to Evin Prison. “But instead, Khamenei exposed the brutality of the regime and turned the world against your country. He robbed you of money that should have been yours,” he said.

“Imagine what your children’s lives would look like if billions of dollars were invested in them instead of being wasted on unwinnable wars. They will receive a world-class education. You would get beautiful roads. Advanced hospitals. Clean water. You know, Israel has the most advanced desalination system in the world, and we would be happy to help rebuild Iran’s crumbling water infrastructure. These and more are the things you could have,” he said.

Netanyahu last addressed the Iranian people just two days before Tehran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1, sending most of the population scurrying to bomb shelters and safe rooms.

The attack – Iran’s second direct attack on Israel after a drone and missile strike in April – caused relatively minor damage to military bases and residential areas in Israel and killed one Palestinian in the West Bank, The Times of Israel reported.

Iran said the Oct. 1 attack came in retaliation for the killing of Tehran-backed terrorist leaders and an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander.

According to The Times of Israel, Iran threatened to strike Israel again after Israel retaliated last month with an airstrike on Iranian air defense batteries and military sites protecting crucial energy facilities. (YEAR)

This report is automatically generated by the ANI news service. ThePrint assumes no responsibility for its content.