Iran’s Supreme Leader ‘Can No Longer Be Allowed to Exist,’ Says Israeli Defense Minister

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei could “no longer be allowed to exist,” amid Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iran.

“Khamenei openly declares that he wants Israel destroyed – he personally gives the order to fire on hospitals,” Katz told reporters after a hospital in Beersheba was hit by a missile. “He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal. Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also suggested that Khamenei could be targeted by Israeli forces during a visit to Beersheba on Thursday.

“I have made it clear that no one is immune,” he said after being asked about the Iranian supreme leader. “In war, I believe one must choose words carefully and execute actions with precision.”

An unnamed senior U.S. official told AFP on Sunday that the Trump administration warned Israel after discovering “that the Israelis had plans to hit Iran’s supreme leader.”

“President Trump was against it and we told the Israelis not to,” the official claimed.

Despite this, President Donald Trump himself appeared to threaten Khamenei in a Truth Social post on Tuesday, writing, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Trump also demanded “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” from Iran as his administration continues to debate whether to join Israel’s conflict against the country.