Middle East
People hold pictures of assassinated Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Iranian flags during a protest against the US and Israel attack of Iran near the US Embassy in Rome, on March 3, 2026. Photo: AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Wednesday that any leader appointed by Iran’s leadership who continues policies aimed at threatening Israel, the United States, and regional countries will become a target for assassination.
In a post on X, Katz said that any individual selected by the Iranian leadership to pursue what Israel described as plans to destroy the country and threaten the “free world” would be treated as a legitimate target.
“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” the minister said.
The statement added that Israel’s prime minister and defense leadership have instructed the Israeli military to prepare and act using all necessary means to carry out the mission.
The directive is part of the objectives of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, dubbed Operation “Roar of the Lion.”
Katz also stressed that Tel Aviv will continue operations alongside the United States to weaken the Iranian leadership and its capabilities.
The official added that the aim is to create conditions that would allow the Iranian people to overthrow the leadership and replace it.
The remarks come amid escalating conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with both sides carrying out strikes against military and strategic targets in recent days.
In a post on X, Katz said that any individual selected by the Iranian leadership to pursue what Israel described as plans to destroy the country and threaten the “free world” would be treated as a legitimate target.
“It does not matter what his name is or where he hides,” the minister said.
The statement added that Israel’s prime minister and defense leadership have instructed the Israeli military to prepare and act using all necessary means to carry out the mission.
The directive is part of the objectives of Israel’s ongoing military campaign, dubbed Operation “Roar of the Lion.”
Katz also stressed that Tel Aviv will continue operations alongside the United States to weaken the Iranian leadership and its capabilities.
The official added that the aim is to create conditions that would allow the Iranian people to overthrow the leadership and replace it.
The remarks come amid escalating conflict between Israel, the United States, and Iran, with both sides carrying out strikes against military and strategic targets in recent days.
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