JERUSALEM: Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz has voicedencouragement for Iranian anti-government protesters but added that Israelipolicy was not to get involved in Tehran’s internal affairs.

Four days of demonstrations in Iran have posed the boldest challenge to itsclerical leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. At least four peoplehave been killed as some confrontations with police turned violent.

“I can only wish success to the Iranian people in the struggle for freedomand democracy,” Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz said in an ArmyRadio interview.

“If the people succeed in achieving freedom and democracy, many of thethreats on Israel and the entire region today will disappear.”

Israel has long voiced alarm over Iran’s nuclear program and its supportfor radical guerrillas in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories.

Asked why Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not following USPresident Donald Trump’s example in offering more open endorsement for theprotesters, Katz said: “Israel has undertaken not to get involved in thisinternal affair.”

Trump’s tough approach to Tehran, which has included the threat of USsanctions, had disrupted the Iranian government’s “illusion of economicbetterment,” he said.

On Sunday, an Iranian official blamed “foreign agents” for a clash in whichtwo protesters were killed.

Katz dismissed such allegations as standard fare from “a mendacious andpropagandistic regime.”