Israel urges Iranians to revolt but privately assesses they'll be 'slaughtered'

Senior Israeli officials privately warned U.S. diplomats that any Iranian protesters attempting to overthrow the regime “will get slaughtered.”

A State Department cable from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, reviewed by The Washington Post and verified by two State Department officials, reveals the assessment came during meetings this week with Israel’s National Security Council, Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Israeli officials stated the regime is “not cracking” and willing to “fight to the end.” They warned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps retains the upper hand and would crush large-scale demonstrations exactly as it did earlier this year when it killed thousands.

Despite this private forecast of mass slaughter, Israel continues publicly calling for a popular uprising against Tehran.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly urged Iranians to “cast off the yoke” of the murderous regime and “take over your government.”

The cable shows Israeli officials still hope for revolt and urged the United States to prepare support if protests erupt.

This contradiction emerges as exiled crown prince Reza Pahlavi calls for Iranians to take to the streets during the Chaharshanbe Suri festival.

Iran experts described the dual messaging as callous and exploitative, noting many Iranians will view it as using civilian lives for strategic fragmentation of the Islamic Republic.

The assessment confirms Israel expects heavy civilian casualties yet continues pushing unrest as a tool to weaken Tehran from within.