​(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejects Iranian President Hassan Rouhani's claim and criticizes European countries for their silence regarding what is happening in Iran:

"I heard today Iran’s President Rouhani’s claim that Israel is behind the protests in Iran. It’s not only false, it’s laughable.

"And unlike Rouhani, I will not insult the Iranian people. They deserve better. Brave Iranians are pouring into the streets. They seek freedom. They seek justice. They seek the basic liberties that have been denied to them for decades.

"Iran’s cruel regime wastes tens of billions of dollars spreading hate. This money could have built schools and hospitals. No wonder mothers and fathers are marching in the streets.  The regime is terrified of them, of their own people. That’s why they jail students. That’s why the ban social media.

"But I am sure that fear will not triumph. Because the Iranian people are smart. They are sophisticated. They are proud. Today they risk everything for freedom.

"Sadly, many European governments watch in silence as heroic young Iranians are beaten in the streets. That’s just not right, and I, for one, will not stay silent. 

"This regime tries desperately to sow hate between us. But they won’t succeed. And when this regime finally falls – and one day it will – Iranians and Israelis will be great friends once again.

"I wish the Iranian people success in their noble quest for freedom."