Camilla Jessen
The killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “would end the conflict,” says Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News that assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would end the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
In the interview, Netanyahu argued that Iran has long been a destabilizing force in the region.
“We have had half a century of conflicts caused by this regime that terrorizes the entire Middle East,” he said. He cited attacks on oil facilities in Saudi Arabia and Iran’s support for terrorism and sabotage.
Netanyahu described Iran’s leadership as pursuing an “eternal war” that could push the region toward nuclear conflict.
“In reality, what Israel is doing is preventing this, putting an end to this aggression, and we can only do that by confronting the forces of evil,” he stated.
On Targeting Khamenei
Asked directly whether Israel would target Ayatollah Khamenei, Netanyahu replied, “Israel is doing what it has to do.”
When pressed about whether killing Khamenei would escalate tensions, Netanyahu insisted it would instead “end the conflict.”
His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate the Iranian leader.
Trump has warned that such an action could increase the risk of wider war.
Tensions between Israel and Iran have intensified in recent days, with both countries exchanging airstrikes. The Israeli government has stated that its operations aim to disrupt Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear program.
Ayatollah Khamenei is the highest authority in Iran and has held power since 1989.