Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended heartfelt wishes to the “brave people of Iran” in celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. This significant cultural event coincides with the March equinox, welcoming the arrival of spring.

In his message, Netanyahu expressed his annual greetings, linking the holiday to the Festival of Lights, a symbol of hope and resilience. “To the courageous people of Iran, may this season bring you joy and peace. The Festival of Lights, which precedes Nowruz, embodies the enduring belief that light will ultimately overcome darkness and that good will triumph over evil,” he remarked, acknowledging the Festival of Fire, which is celebrated on the Wednesday before Nowruz.

This year, Netanyahu noted, the holiday holds deeper significance. He encouraged the Iranian people to celebrate Nowruz with their loved ones, emphasizing, “I wish you a happy Nowruz: a year of freedom and a new beginning filled with hope.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog also extended his greetings during the Festival of Fire, known as Charshanbeh Suri. “This unique, ancient tradition brings with it my warmest wishes for happiness, transformation, and the positive change you deserve,” Herzog stated.

President Herzog expressed hope that Charshanbeh Suri would herald meaningful change, saying, “May this festival mark a turning point in the region, in Iran, and for the future of our children.”

These messages from Israeli leaders emerged against the backdrop of breaking news about the Israel Defense Forces conducting overnight operations in Tehran. These actions reportedly resulted in the elimination of Ali Larijani, a prominent figure who served as the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran. Larijani, known as a close aide to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was also a former chief of staff of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Also killed was Gholamreza Soleimani, who operated as commander of the Basij unit for the past six years.

The Basij serves as the Islamic regime’s “the primary instrument of repression,” the IDF said on Tuesday.

“During internal protests in Iran, particularly in recent periods as demonstrations intensified, Basij forces under Soleimani’s command led the main repression operations, employing severe violence, widespread arrests, and the use of force against civilian demonstrators,” the IDF said.

An estimated 10,000-35,000 demonstrators were killed during widespread protests against the regime beginning in December 2025.