Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a cabinet meeting on the 11th (local time) [Israeli Prime Minister's Office]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his support on the 11th (local time) for the Iranian residents protesting economic hardship in Iran. The Israeli military also indicated its willingness to respond militarily if necessary.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated during a cabinet meeting on that day, "Israel is closely watching the situation unfolding in Iran," and "Israelis and the whole world are admiring the heroic actions of the Iranian citizens."

Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized, "Israel supports their struggle for freedom." He further stated, "We strongly condemn the massacre of innocent civilians by the Iranian regime."

Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "We hope the Persian people will be freed from the yoke of tyranny," and stressed, "When that day comes, I hope Israel and Iran will once again become faithful partners in building a future of prosperity and peace for both nations' peoples."

In relation to this, an official from the Israeli military told foreign media, including Yonhap News, "The Israeli military has conducted several situation assessments under the command of Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir over the weekend," and "We are closely monitoring the situation in Iran."

The official added, "The protests are an internal affair of Iran," but stated, "We are on alert and continuously strengthening our capabilities and operational readiness."

He further emphasized, "We are prepared to take strong action if necessary," and "We will continue to carry out our mission to protect the people of Israel."

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei [UPI Yonhap News]

These remarks appear to be a response to the Iranian authorities' accusations that Israel and the United States, Iran's 'arch-rivals,' are behind the escalating protests with increasing casualties, and their mention of possible attacks.

Earlier on this day, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Majlis), referred to U.S. President Donald Trump as "delusional" and warned, "Any action to attack Iran will make all U.S. military bases, military facilities, and ships in the region legitimate targets of attack."

Some speculate that the U.S. and Israel, which seek to prevent Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile development, may use the current protest situation as an opportunity to overthrow Iran's Islamic theocracy by ousting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and The New York Times (NYT) reported, citing government officials, that President Trump has already been briefed on military intervention options and is considering whether to implement them.

Reuters reported that Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the previous day, and it appears they discussed the possibility of U.S. intervention in Iran.