Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a direct threat to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning him that he could share the fate of executed former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein. This was reported by the Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, News.bg reports.
The statement represents the most overt escalation yet in Israel's rhetoric regarding a possible assassination attempt on Khamenei. Although Hussein was technically executed by an Iraqi court after being captured by US forces, Katz's message remains clear: Israel is considering the real possibility of taking direct action against Khamenei or supporting a scenario in which he is overthrown and killed by his own people.
Katz stated unequivocally that "if Khamenei continues to support attacks on Israel and finance ballistic missiles, he should expect serious consequences."
Previously, reports emerged that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had considered eliminating Khamenei if such action would hasten the end of the war or stop Iranian missile strikes on Israeli territory.
US sources indicated that during Donald Trump's term, Washington vetoed potential Israeli actions against the Iranian supreme leader. However, Israeli officials stress that such a strike remains “on the table” if the Iranian attacks result in further civilian casualties in Israel.