Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an official video message on March 17, 2026, extending greetings to the people of Iran on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. In the message, Netanyahu framed the holiday as a “Year of Freedom,” signaling support for the Iranian people and implicitly encouraging hopes for change within their country despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Nowruz, celebrated at the vernal equinox and marking the beginning of spring and the Iranian calendar year, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition observed by millions across Iran and the broader Persian cultural world. The timing of Netanyahu’s comments—amid sustained hostilities—suggests an attempt to distinguish between the Iranian populace and the country’s leadership while highlighting aspirations for greater liberty and a future beyond authoritarian rule. 

Netanyahu’s message comes against a backdrop of intensified airstrikes and political tension, as attacks have battered Tehran and other Iranian cities during the Persian New Year period. While traditional celebrations are subdued under the strain of conflict, cultural observances persist in private settings, reflecting both resilience and longing for peace. 

By emphasizing “freedom” in his greeting, the Israeli leader appears to be aligning the symbolic renewal of Nowruz with hopes for political transformation in Iran. This rhetorical framing resonates with broader calls from international figures who have urged support for the Iranian people over their government, positioning the holiday as both a cultural celebration and an emblem of potential change amid a deeply fraught geopolitical moment.