Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel is closely monitoring ongoing unrest in Iran, expressing support for Iranian citizens protesting against their government and condemning violence against civilians.

Speaking at the opening of a weekly government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu said protests demanding freedom have spread across Iran and praised what he described as the “immense bravery” of the country’s citizens. He said the people of Israel, along with the international community, are watching developments closely.

“Israel supports their struggle for freedom and firmly condemns the mass killings of innocent civilians,” Netanyahu said, according to an official translation of his remarks from Hebrew.

Netanyahu also voiced hope for a future political change in Iran, saying he hopes the “Persian nation” will be liberated from what he described as tyranny. He added that, in such a scenario, Israel and Iran could restore cooperative relations.

“When that day comes,” Netanyahu said, “Israel and Iran will once again be faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both nations.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)