Netanyahu targets Iran in bizarre football diplomacy video

Israeli premier draws parallels with Iran's anti-government protesters and football team

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has lauded the world cup heroics of Iran by drawing parallels to anti-government protesters on the streets of Tehran, according to The Jerusalem Post.

"You showed courage on the playing field and today you showed the same courage on the streets of Tehran," Netanyahu said in a message to the Iranian people in a video released on YouTube.

The Iranian national team were able to produce a surprise draw opposite a strong Portugal side, earning them compliments for their resolve, despite the result not being enough to see the team on to the knock out stage.

The Israeli premier while holding a soccer ball compared the courage of the Iranian national soccer team to the courage shown by demonstrators in Tehran who are currently demonstrating for the fourth day in a row against the government's policies.

"Can you imagine what your money could do if it was not spent promoting terrorism, in Syria and in Yemen, and instead would be spent to solve air pollution and water scarcity in Iran," asked Netanyahu.



"I will never stop advocating for peace with the Iranian people," stated the Israeli leader.

Netanyahu sealed the video expressing hope that one day Israel and Iran would be able to play against each other "in a free Tehran."