WASHINGTON: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling it a potential end to decades of hostility.
In a combative interview with ABC News, Netanyahu compared Khamenei to a “modern Hitler” and said Israel’s escalating strikes are a necessary effort to “defang” Iran and avert nuclear war.
Asked about reports that former US President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei, Netanyahu dismissed concerns of escalation. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict—it’s going to end it,” he said.
Netanyahu said Iran’s regime thrives on perpetual war, pushing the region to the brink of nuclear conflict. “What Israel is doing is preventing this… We’re standing up to the forces of evil.”
Pressed on whether Israel is targeting the Ayatollah, Netanyahu said only: “We’re doing what we need to do.”
Amid ongoing missile exchanges between Israel and Iran, Netanyahu has doubled down on media appearances in the US, portraying the fight as a clash between “civilisation and barbarism.”
“Today it’s Tel Aviv, tomorrow it’s New York,” he warned, pointing to Iran’s growing missile reach and nuclear ambitions.
Blasting Khamenei’s “anti-Semitic, mad fanaticism,” Netanyahu said Israel is determined to cripple Tehran’s ability to act. “He just won’t stop—but we’ll make sure he can’t carry out his threats.”
Defending Israel’s sweeping campaign, he argued that setting back Iran’s nuclear program is “preventing the most horrific war imaginable” and could ultimately pave the way to Middle East peace. – AFP
