‘What an illusion’: Iran’s president mocks Netanyahu’s vow to help country with water crisis

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urges Iranians to fight for freedom, promising Israeli solutions to Iran’s water crisis once Iran is free.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian mocked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday in a post on X/Twitter for saying that Israel would help Iran solve its water crisis once it is free from the Islamic Republic’s regime.

“A regime that has deprived the people of Gaza of water and food wants to bring water to the people of Iran? What an illusion!”

Netanyahu on Tuesday released a video message addressed to the people of Iran. He cited a recent comment from Pezeshkian, acknowledging deep national problems, including water scarcity. “‘We have problems with water, electricity, money, and inflation – where don’t we have a problem? There won’t be any water in the dams by September or October,” Netanyahu quoted him as saying. “He’s right. Everything is collapsing.”

Netanyahu pledged that “the moment your country is free, Israel’s top water experts will flood into every Iranian city bringing cutting-edge technology and know-how.” He painted vivid images of restored lakes, flowing rivers, and rejuvenated parks. “Imagine water skiing again in the Karaj Dam… Imagine restoring the once stunning Urmia Lake in the northwest of Iran.”

Netanyahu accused the Iranian leadership of imposing “tyranny and poverty” on its citizens, diverting hundreds of billions of dollars to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis instead of funding domestic needs. “You don’t deserve leaders who flee the country while you suffer alone during a difficult war,” he said.

Calling on Iranians to “take to the streets” and “protest tyranny,” Netanyahu urged them to demand justice and accountability. “Do not let these fanatic mullahs ruin your lives for a minute longer,” he said. “You are not alone. Israel stands with you. The entire free world stands with you.”

Israel recycles 90% of its wastewater

The prime minister contrasted the situation in Iran with Israel’s water achievements, noting that the country recycles 90% of its wastewater – the highest rate in the world – and is a leader in desalination technology.

“In this brutal summer heat, you don’t even have clean, cold water to give your children,” Netanyahu said. “Such hypocrisy. Such disdain for the Iranian people.”

He recalled launching a Farsi-language Telegram channel nearly a decade ago to teach water management, which quickly attracted 100,000 followers. “The thirst for water in Iran is only matched by the thirst for freedom,” he said.

Netanyahu concluded by invoking Theodor Herzl’s famous saying: “If you will it, it is no dream.” Applying it to Iran, he said, “If you will it, a free Iran is no dream. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to fight for freedom.”