In video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sends Nowruz wishes to Iranians

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent wishes to Iranians on Monday (March 16, 2026) for the upcoming Nowruz holidays, marking the Persian new year, as his country presses its war on Iran.

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“To the brave people of Iran, I wish you, as I do every year a happy holiday season, beginning with the festival of lights,” said Mr. Netanyahu, referencing Chaharshanbe Suri, an ancient Iranian festival of light and fire celebrated on Wednesday (March 18, 2026).

“It signifies the age-old belief of the Iranian people that light will triumph over darkness, that good will triumph over evil,” he said in English, with subtitles in Farsi.

“This year this holiday has special meaning… I take this opportunity to wish you a happy Nowruz — a year of freedom. A new beginning of hope to all of you,” he added, referring to the holiday that will be celebrated on Friday.

In recent years, Mr. Netanyahu has repeatedly recorded video messages addressed to the Iranian people, and in particular to opponents of the Islamic republic’s clerical leadership.

In a televised press conference on March 7, 2026 the Israeli premier told Iranians that “the moment of truth is approaching” and urged them to free themselves from “the yoke of tyranny” so that Israel and Iran can “return to be brave friends”.