Israel’s Defence Minister issued a stark warning on Thursday, threatening the life of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The threat comes amid escalating hostilities between the two nations following a series of military strikes.
In comments reported by *Al Jazeera*, the minister accused Khamenei of directing attacks against Israel through Iranian proxy groups and claimed that eliminating him is now seen as a strategic objective in Israel’s broader defense policy.
“A man like [Khamenei], who has consistently aimed to destroy Israel through his agents, cannot be allowed to live,” the minister said. “Stopping him — eliminating him — is now part of our campaign.”
Tensions have surged in recent days following an Iranian missile attack on Beersheba, which reportedly damaged the Soroka Medical Center. In response, Israel has launched multiple strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, resulting in heavy casualties.
According to reports, over 240 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Iran, including 70 women and children. Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks have left at least 24 people dead in Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian public in a video message, stating that current military operations are intended to support the cause of freedom in Iran.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the situation via social media.
“We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now… Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump posted, referring to Khamenei.
Earlier, the Iranian leader had warned that any U.S. strike on Iranian soil would bring “serious, irreparable consequences.”
