"A thousand blessings and 12 candles": The Iranians rooting for Netanyahu

Persian-speaking Iranian netizens are expressing support for Benjamin Netanyahu in the elections for the 26th Knesset, hoping he will continue to act against the regime in Tehran. Some call him 'Bibi John'. A GAMAAN survey from June 2026 found that 50.6% of respondents in Iran held a positive view of him.

While Israeli citizens vote in the elections for the 26th Knesset, Persian-speaking netizens in Iran are expressing support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hoping for his victory, in the hope that his continued tenure will increase pressure on the regime in Tehran. This was reported by Iran International. The reactions were posted on social media, with one user writing: 'I wish we, the citizens of Iran, could also vote.' Another user pledged: 'I promised a thousand blessings and 12 candles so that Bibi would win.' According to the report, hundreds of responses in Persian were posted around the elections. The support is also linked to Israeli military operations against the Islamic Republic, including Operation 'With a Lion' in June 2025 and joint strikes with the US in February 2026. His supporters call him 'Bibi John' (Dear Bibi) and 'Bibi Gol'. A GAMAAN survey from June 2026 among more than 31,000 participants found that 50.6% of respondents in Iran expressed a positive view of Netanyahu, compared to 38.1% negative. Some responses included expectations for continued military activity against the regime.