In a powerful diplomatic gesture, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people on X network on the occasion of Nowruz, the traditional Persian New Year, with greetings that combine cultural respect alongside a clear political message. In the video he published to honor the holiday, Netanyahu conveyed a direct and pointed message expressing solidarity with the Iranian people.

"Nowruz is approaching! I wish the people of Iran a year full of prosperity, security, friendship, hope, faith, and freedom. It's time for Iran's resources to be returned to its people, and for true freedom to replace oppression. Happy Nowruz!". Netanyahu wrote in a post published in Arabic and translated into Hebrew by the "Monitoring" system.

In the recorded video dedicated to the event, Netanyahu expanded his greeting: "Spring is approaching, and so is the new Persian year. I would like to wish the Iranian people and Persians around the world a happy Nowruz. I wish you health, happiness, prosperity, and above all – I wish you freedom".

The Prime Minister's special reference to the central Iranian holiday, which marks the beginning of spring, comes against the backdrop of ongoing tension between Israel and Iran. But instead of focusing on the Iranian government, Netanyahu chose to convey a direct message to Iranian citizens, clearly separating the Iranian people from the regime ruling the country.

"I hope this Nowruz will symbolize a new beginning – a new beginning that will overcome all the obstacles and barriers that have stood in your way for too long", said Netanyahu, in a clear allusion to the ongoing oppression experienced by Iranian citizens under the Islamic regime. "May it be a year of servet – prosperity. A year in which the residents of Iran can finally enjoy the rich natural resources of their country, resources that have been denied to them for years by an oppressive regime".

In his remarks, Netanyahu emphasized the aspiration for the Iranian rial to "regain its true value", a reference to the difficult economic situation in the country, which has been severely affected by international sanctions and poor economic management. He continued with wishes for a year of "amniat – security. Spiritual, economic, and physical security," and "dousti – friendship. Friendship with those who work for you, including my country, Israel".

These wishes express a revolutionary message in the landscape of relations between the countries, as Netanyahu extends a hand to the Iranian people and presents Israel as a potential friend of the people, in stark contrast to the official Iranian policy that strongly opposes the existence of the state of Israel.

The central message in Netanyahu's words focused on the values of freedom and hope: "A year of omid – hope. Hope and optimism that will lead to freedom. A year of iman – faith. Faith that it's possible to live a better life. A year of azadi – freedom. Real freedom. Freedom from oppression, freedom from want, freedom to live, freedom to choose".

Netanyahu's address is part of a long-standing policy seeking to create a clear distinction between the Iranian people, with their rich culture and magnificent historical heritage, and the Islamic regime that has held power since the revolution in 1979. Netanyahu's Nowruz greeting is an attempt to leverage the holiday – a holiday that symbolizes renewal and a new beginning – as a symbol of the possibility of profound political change in Iran.

At the current timing, as Iran continues to pose a strategic threat to Israel through the development of nuclear capabilities and the operation of proxy organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas, there is special significance to the message conveyed by the Prime Minister. Instead of focusing on military threats or bellicose declarations, Netanyahu chose to focus on universal values of freedom, prosperity, and human rights – values that are at the heart of Israeli identity.

Netanyahu's use of the Persian language and Iranian cultural concepts emphasizes the respect he holds for ancient Persian culture and its heritage. He even chose to use specific Persian words such as "servet" (prosperity), "amniat" (security), "dousti" (friendship), "omid" (hope), "iman" (faith), and "azadi" (freedom), thereby creating a deeper cultural connection with his target audience.

Netanyahu's Nowruz greeting reflects a broader strategic perception – an understanding that real political change in Iran can only come from within the Iranian people themselves. In doing so, the Prime Minister conveys a message of support for the freedom aspirations of the Iranian people and positions Israel as a supporter of democratic and liberal values.

This address by Netanyahu is a direct continuation of the long-term policy of the Israeli government, which seeks to strengthen the connection with the Iranian people while bypassing the hostile regime. The Persian New Year greeting is a well-calculated diplomatic step, combining cultural tradition with a strong political message, and expressing hope for a better future for relations between the peoples.

Photo from Benjamin Netanyahu's X network

نوروز نزدیک است!

برای مردم ایران سالی پر از ثروت، امنیت، دوستی، امید، ایمان و آزادی آرزو دارم.

زمان آن رسیده که منابع ایران به مردمش بازگردد و آزادی واقعی جایگزین سرکوب شود.

نوروزتان پیروز! pic.twitter.com/5WyTD2VReb

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) March 20, 2025