Netanyahu Calls on Iranian Public to Reclaim Ancient Festival Amid Regime Leadership Collapse

Following the deaths of top Iranian security chiefs, PM Netanyahu calls on the Iranian people to celebrate their ancient festival as a show of defiance against the regime.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 17, 2026, 6:41 PM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Times of Israel

A Strategic Message from the Command Bunker

Speaking from the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian population directly following a series of high-impact military operations. He highlighted the recent elimination of two "terrorist chieftains" National Security Chief Ali Larijani and Basij force leader Gholamreza Soleimani describing them as the primary architects of the current tyranny. Netanyahu framed the ongoing Israeli air campaign as a tactical effort to clear "terror operatives" from crossroads and city squares, specifically to provide the Iranian public with the safety and opportunity to celebrate their traditional cultural heritage without fear of state-sponsored domestic repression.

Chaharshanbe Suri as a Tool for Defiance

The Prime Minister’s appeal focuses on the ancient fire festival of Chaharshanbe Suri, which began on Tuesday evening. Traditionally viewed with hostility by the Islamic Republic as a pagan holiday, the festival has increasingly become a flashpoint for anti-regime sentiment and public defiance. By explicitly endorsing the celebrations and wishing the public a "Happy Nowruz" ahead of the Persian New Year, Netanyahu is attempting to align Israeli military objectives with the internal aspirations of the Iranian protest movement. He reassured the public that the Israeli military is "watching from above," implying a level of aerial protection for those who choose to congregate in public spaces.

The Collapse of the Internal Security Apparatus

The timing of this address is significant, coming immediately after the deaths of the most senior figures responsible for domestic order and paramilitary control within Iran. The loss of Gholamreza Soleimani, who led the oppressive Basij force, is expected to create a vacuum in the regime's ability to suppress local uprisings. Intelligence reports suggest that the regime is already in a state of heightened distress as it struggles to reorganize its command structure while simultaneously defending against sustained external strikes. Netanyahu’s message aims to exploit this moment of confusion, encouraging a transition from cultural celebration to organized political protest.