Israel’s Defence Minister issued a threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Thursday, accusing him of organising assaults on the Jewish nation through proxy forces and asking for his assassination.
The minister’s words, as reported by Al Jazeera, reflect rising tensions between the two countries following an Iranian missile strike on Beersheba, which reportedly damaged the Soroka Medical Centre.
The minister claimed that Khamenei has consistently advocated to destroy the Jewish nation, and that preventing him from carrying out his activities is now regarded part of Israel’s larger battle.
According to him, as reported by Al Jazeera, “A man like [Khamenei] has always intended to destroy Israel through his agents.
“This man, who is willing to attack us, must not stay alive. This matter, the matter of stopping this man, eliminating him, is part of the campaign, and we now understand his role because before, he was talking about the destruction of Israel.”
Israel has started raids on Iranian nuclear and military installations, leading Iran to respond with missile and drone attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently sent a video greeting to the Iranian people, expressing hope that military actions will help Iranians achieve freedom.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump also weighed in on Khamenei, stating in a post on social media, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now… Our patience is wearing thin.”
Previously, Khamenei warned the US that any strikes on its land would have “serious irreparable consequences”.
According to Al Jazeera, the attacks on Iran have killed more than 240 people, including 70 women and children. At least 24 individuals have been murdered in Iranian assaults on Israel.
