Israel's Netanyahu backs Iran protesters, condemns civilian deaths

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu expresses support for Iranian protesters and condemns the killing of civilians, as unrest continues across the country.

Reuters

11 January 2026 at 15:14:45

Israel's Netanyahu backs Iran protesters, condemns civilian deaths

FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gestures during a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (not pictured) at the Prime Minister's Office, during Rubio's visit, in Jerusalem, September 15, 2025.

Nathan Howard/Reuters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, showed support for the protesters in Iran, as he addressed his cabinet on Sunday (January 11).

Netanyahu said Israel was closely monitoring the situation, supports the protesters' fight for freedom and condemns the killing of innocent civilians. He added that Israel hopes that Iran "will soon be freed from the yoke of tyranny".

Protests have spread across Iran since December 28, beginning in response to soaring inflation, before quickly turning political with protesters demanding an end to clerical rule.

Iranian authorities have accused the U.S. and Israel of fomenting unrest.

U.S.-based rights group, HRANA, has put the death toll in Iran at 116, with most of them being protesters.

Production: Andreea Popescu/Reuters