Iran speaker calls Netanyahu 21st century Hitler.
He accused Israel of destabilizing the region, escalating tensions, and acting aggressively against Palestinians, while urging the international community to take swift, decisive action.
Tehran: Iranian Speaker Calls Netanyahu ‘21st Century Hitler,’ Urges Muslim Unity for Palestine
His remarks, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, August 15, reflect the rising hostility between Iran and Israel, as both sides escalate their rhetoric over the war in Gaza and the broader future of the Middle East.
In his statement, Ghalibaf accused Netanyahu of openly revealing what he called the Zionist project for regional domination. wrote in Arabic. He added a stark warning: “Time is running out to restrain the rabid Zionist dog.”
The Iranian speaker framed his warning as more than just political criticism. He urged Muslim leaders worldwide to unite in defense of Palestine, describing Gaza as the “last stronghold” against what he portrayed as an expansionist Israeli threat. According to Ghalibaf, the fall of Gaza would not only mean catastrophe for Palestinians but also open the door for Israel to target “other lands.”
His remarks came just days after Netanyahu gave an interview on August 12 to Israel’s i24 News, where the prime minister declared that he saw himself as being.
Critics of this ideology argue that it undermines any hope of achieving a two-state solution and only deepens instability across the Middle East. For Iran, which positions itself as the chief regional opponent of Israel, Netanyahu’s words were a provocation that demanded a strong response. Ghalibaf’s fiery post is just the latest in a long-running war of words between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Observers note that Iran has frequently used strong symbolic language to portray Israeli leaders as threats not only to Palestinians but to the Muslim world at large. By invoking the name of Adolf Hitler, Ghalibaf was not only condemning Netanyahu’s policies but also framing him as a historical villain whose ambitions could plunge the region into disaster if unchecked. The choice of words reflects both political strategy and cultural resonance, given the deep scars left by colonialism, wars, and occupation across the Middle East.
At the same time, Netanyahu’s reference to a “Greater Israel” plays directly into Iranian fears of expansionism. While supporters of Netanyahu inside Israel see his vision as rooted in religious and historical claims, critics — including many within Israel — caution that such rhetoric isolates the country diplomatically and entrenches conflict with Palestinians.
For Palestinians living under siege in Gaza and under occupation in the West Bank, these high-level exchanges of words may seem distant, but they carry immediate consequences. Iran has long been a backer of armed Palestinian factions, and its leaders often use fiery language to rally support across the Muslim world. Whether or not Ghalibaf’s call for unity translates into tangible political or military action remains to be seen, but the intensity of the rhetoric underscores the gravity of the moment.
As Ghalibaf warned of “time running out,” the larger question remains whether international and regional actors will step forward with concrete steps — diplomatic or otherwise — to ease tensions and preserve the prospect of peace.