Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday released a message expressing support for Iranian protesters and condemning Tehran's claims that Israel is responsible for the demonstrations.
At least 12 people have died in protests across Iran in the biggest challenge to the authority of the regime since mass post-election demonstrations in 2009.
Netanyahu said Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's claim that Israel is behind the anti-government protests is not only false, but “laughable.”
"And unlike Rouhani, I will not insult the Iranian people. They deserve better. Brave Iranians are pouring into the streets. They seek freedom. They seek justice. They seek the basic liberties that have been denied to them for decades," Netanyahu said.
He said the Iranian regime wastes tens of billions of dollars "spreading hate," when that money could have built schools and hospitals.
"No wonder mothers and fathers are marching in the streets. The regime is terrified of them, of their own people," Netanyahu said.
He wished the Iranian people success in their "noble quest for freedom."
“This regime tries desperately to sow hate between us. But they won’t succeed. And when this regime finally falls, and one day it will, Iranians and Israelis will be great friends once again."
