Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz has revealed that the Israeli regime considered assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the recent 12-day war with Tehran. However, the operation was never carried out due to the inability to locate Khamenei. This marks Israel’s first public acknowledgment of such a plot against Iran’s top leader.
In multiple interviews with Israeli broadcasters, Defense Minister Katz stated that Israel conducted extensive searches but failed to track down the Iranian Supreme Leader. According to Katz, Khamenei went into deep hiding underground, severing all communication with top Iranian commanders, making it impossible to pinpoint his location.
When questioned whether the United States had approved the assassination plan, Katz reportedly asserted that Israel did not need permission from any foreign power for such an operation.
The revelation comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed in a June 17 social media post that he knew Khamenei’s exact location, calling him an “easy target.” However, Trump added that the U.S. had chosen not to strike, at least for the time being. Days later, he backtracked, stating that regime change was not America’s objective.
Throughout the war, Katz repeatedly called for Khamenei’s removal. In a June 19 address, he stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had been given clear instructions to neutralize threats, including targeting leaders like Khamenei.
“The goals of the war are to eliminate the nuclear threat, the threats of destruction, and to counter missile threats,” Katz said. “As part of this, the IDF was directed—and understands—that to achieve these objectives, such a man can no longer be allowed to exist.”
On June 17, Katz issued a direct warning, suggesting Khamenei could meet the same fate as former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was overthrown and executed.
“I warned the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and launch missiles at Israeli civilians,” Katz said. “He should remember what happened to the dictator in Iran’s neighboring country who took the same path against Israel.”
Katz confirmed yesterday that following the ceasefire, Israel has abandoned its plans to assassinate Khamenei. The admission has sparked international reactions, with analysts speculating on the potential long-term implications for Israel-Iran relations.