Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a direct threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warning that Israel could strike Tehran again and target him personally if Iran continues to threaten the Jewish state.
Katz made the remarks during a visit to the Israeli Air Force’s Ramon Air Base on Sunday, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Times of Israel reported.
“I want to convey a clear message to Khamenei the dictator — If you continue to threaten Israel, our long arm will again reach Tehran and with even greater force — and this time to you personally,” Katz said, according to The Times of Israel.
He further warned Iran to stop issuing threats: “Do not threaten, lest you be harmed.”
Katz also praised Israeli fighter jet crews for their role in Operation Rising Lion, which targeted Iranian military and nuclear assets during the recent conflict.
“You opened the skies to Tehran, struck repeatedly at the head of the Iranian octopus, and removed threats of annihilation,” Katz said.
The term ‘Iranian Octopus’ refers to a doctrine articulated by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who described Iran’s Axis of Resistance as an octopus whose tentacles stretch across the Middle East.
This is not the first time Katz has threatened the Iranian leader’s life. On June 17, Katz warned that Khamenei could meet the same fate as former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, The Jerusalem Post reported.
Earlier this month, Ayatollah Khamenei lashed out at Israel, calling it the United States’ “dog on a leash”, and claimed Iran could deliver a “bigger blow” than seen in its recent war with Israel. The Supreme Leader said Iran was fully prepared to respond to any renewed attack.
The 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which ended last month with a ceasefire understanding, began on June 13 when Israel launched strikes to halt Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Iranian officials, 1,060 people were killed during the conflict, including senior Iranian military commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks, killing at least 28 people in Israel, The Times of Israel reported.
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