Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has openly declared the “elimination” of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a key objective in Israel’s ongoing military campaign. His statement marks the first time a high-ranking Israeli official has explicitly named Khamenei as a direct target of the war.
Speaking in response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack on Beersheba—which severely damaged the Soroka Medical Center, a major hospital in southern Israel—Katz said:
“A man like [Khamenei] has always aimed at destroying Israel through his agents. This man, who is willing to attack us, must not stay alive.”
He added that “eliminating” Khamenei is now considered part of Israel’s broader military campaign, referring to it as a necessary step in confronting Iranian aggression.
“This matter, the matter of stopping this man, eliminating him, is part of the campaign,” Katz stated.
The remarks reflect a significant shift from merely deterring Iran’s nuclear program to openly advocating for the removal of its political and religious leadership—a goal widely seen as a push for regime change.
Netanyahu Frames War as Path to Iranian ‘Freedom’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also intensified Israel’s narrative surrounding its assault on Iran. In a video address delivered in English and aimed at the Iranian people, he framed the ongoing military strikes as a step toward what he called “your freedom.”
“We hope this military operation will clear the path for you to achieve your freedom,” Netanyahu said, referencing Israel’s recent airstrikes deep inside Iranian territory.
The comments are being interpreted as part of a broader Israeli strategy to justify expanded military operations by presenting them as beneficial to the Iranian population. Israel has continued to suggest that dismantling Iran’s ruling structure is necessary for lasting regional peace and security.
35 Gaza Ambulances Out of Service Amid Fuel Crisis
Since the start of its campaign last week, Israel has launched a series of aerial assaults targeting Iranian infrastructure, missile sites, and suspected nuclear facilities. The inclusion of Khamenei as a strategic target marks a sharp escalation, raising fears of broader regional destabilization.
Trump’s Comments Add Fuel to Fire
Former US President Donald Trump also waded into the rhetoric, making cryptic remarks about Khamenei in a post on social media earlier this week. Referring to the Iranian supreme leader, Trump said:
“We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now … Our patience is wearing thin.”
The statement sparked widespread speculation about possible US coordination or complicity in Israel’s potential plans to strike Iran’s leadership. Although the White House has not confirmed any involvement, Trump’s remarks have heightened international concern over the widening scope of the conflict.
Analysts warn that openly targeting Iran’s top leadership could provoke unprecedented retaliation and ignite a full-scale regional war, especially as Iranian officials continue to vow resistance and reject calls for surrender.