In Nowruz message, Bennett says Israel hopes Iranians get rid of ‘cruel and ruthless regime’

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett releases a video statement congratulating Iranians on Nowruz, the Persian new year.

“I wish you a happy new year – a year of health, prosperity and peace. Nowruz literally means ‘new day.’ And that’s my greatest wish to you, the Iranian people: That you will see a new day – a day of freedom from the cruel Iranian regime,” he says in English. “A new day where you can drink clean water, speak freely, and live your lives with dignity.”

The premier says Israelis and Iranians have much in common, such as their “ancient histories and rich cultures,” and also face a “common threat.”

“The brutal and oppressive Iranian regime, whether the IRGC – the world’s single largest terrorist organization, its proxies, or the ­Basij,” he says, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

“We know that the Iranian regime does not represent you and they continue to deny you the freedom that you deserve. We hope you rid yourselves of this cruel and ruthless regime and reach true freedom,” Bennett continues. “May we see a ‘new day,’ where we defeat the forces of darkness with the strength of our friendship and our pursuit of freedom. I hope this new year will free the Iranian people from the shackles of oppression of the Iranian regime.”