11.01.2026 21:50
As street movements grow alongside the economic crisis in Iran, they have also caught the attention of world capitals, and a notable statement has come from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Stating that they are closely monitoring the protests spreading across the country against the Tehran government, Netanyahu expressed that Israel supports the Iranian people's "quest for freedom."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that they are closely monitoring the protests that erupted in Iran due to the sharp rise in the exchange rate and the deepening economic crisis. Speaking at the opening of a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu claimed that the protests have spread across the country and stated that the Israeli public admires the courage of the Iranian people.
Netanyahu said, "Israel supports the Iranian people's struggle for freedom. We strongly condemn the collective violence and massacres against innocent civilians." The Israeli Prime Minister suggested that the day when the Iranian people will be free from oppression is near, claiming that at the end of this process, the two countries could once again be "loyal partners."
ECONOMIC CRISIS TRIGGERED PROTESTS
The protests in Iran began on December 28, 2025, due to the significant devaluation of the local currency against foreign currencies and rising living costs, initiated by shopkeepers in the Grand Bazaar of Tehran. The demonstrations quickly spread to many cities and occasionally turned violent.
While Iranian authorities have not made an official statement regarding casualties and injuries, the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) reported in a report published on January 10 that 116 people had lost their lives on the 14th day of the protests. It was noted that among the deceased were 37 security personnel and 4 healthcare workers, while more than 2,600 people were reported injured, and 2,638 individuals were detained.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS TARGETED IN TEHRAN
During the intensified events in the capital Tehran on January 8, it was reported that protester groups targeted numerous public buildings. It was stated that dozens of buses and ambulances, as well as 24 houses, 25 mosques, 2 hospitals, and 26 banks were set on fire or destroyed. Following the protests, the Iranian government imposed restrictions on internet access, while anti-regime demonstrations continue in the country and in front of some Iranian embassies in Europe.
NETANYAHU'S INVESTMENT MESSAGE FOR THE NEGEV REGION
In his speech, Netanyahu also made evaluations regarding the Negev region in southern Israel. Reminding that last week he visited the region with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and various ministry representatives, Netanyahu stated that he was influenced by the work of the Israeli police and the internal intelligence agency Shin Bet (Shabak).
Expressing their aim to end the increasing violence in the region, Netanyahu stated that the Negev will be opened for settlement, infrastructure investments will be made, rapid transportation lines will be established, and part of the population will be relocated to this area. Netanyahu claimed that Bedouin communities would also be included in this planning.
Netanyahu stated, "Israel supports their struggle for freedom and strongly condemns the collective massacre of innocent civilians." Claiming that "the Persian nation will soon be free from oppression," Netanyahu suggested that when that day comes, Israel and Iran will once again be loyal partners.
THE SITUATION OF PALESTINIAN BEDOUINS IN THE NEGEV
Palestinian Bedouin Arabs living in the Negev Desert express that despite being Israeli citizens and serving in mandatory military service, they have long faced discrimination. The Palestinians in the region claim that they are treated as "second-class citizens."
While the Israeli government does not provide electricity, water, and infrastructure services to many Arab villages in the Negev, it also does not recognize the land ownership of Palestinians. It is reported that even simple structures are demolished on the grounds of lacking construction permits. According to Palestinian sources, approximately 11 million acres of the 12 million acres of the Negev Desert have been confiscated to date.
In the region, about 85,000 people live in 38 Arab villages, all of which are inhabited by Palestinian Bedouins.