Herzog Contradicts Netanyahu on Iran: “Regime Change Not the Goal”

Watan-In a notable development within Israel’s political establishment, President Isaac Herzog has stirred wide controversy with his recent statements denying any Israeli intent to pursue regime change in Iran, asserting instead that “the goal is solely the nuclear program.”

His remarks stand in clear contradiction to the escalation-laden rhetoric regularly voiced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly issued direct threats toward the Iranian regime—including hints at efforts to topple it.

This public divergence between Israel’s two highest officials raises serious questions about the unity of Israel’s position on Iran, with speculation growing around the motivations behind this shift:

• Is it a tactical retreat following recent Iranian strikes?

• A result of partial U.S. withdrawal from military support?

• Or a reflection of real internal conflict over the strategic direction on one of the region’s most dangerous issues?

Herzog’s references to “backchannel communications” and “secret dialogues” with international leaders add another dimension—opening the door to theories of a potential diplomatic settlement or a quietly negotiated nuclear deal.

In any case, Israel’s narrative is no longer unified.
Caught between the language of escalation and that of de-escalation, Tel Aviv now stands at a pivotal crossroads.