Netanyahu plotted Khamenei's kill since November, Iran protests sealed it
What's the story
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has revealed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set a goal to assassinate Iran's late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei back in November. The timeline for the assassination was expedited due to mass anti-regime protests in Iran, which also enabled a joint US-Israeli operation. Katz made these statements during interviews with Hebrew-language media outlets, confirming that discussions about the assassination were held in a small forum with Netanyahu.
Strategic partnership
Operation against Khamenei was initially set for mid-2026
Katz reportedly saif that initially, an operation against Khamenei was planned for mid-2026. However, the anti-government protests in Iran that started in December 2025 changed their plans. The unrest not only surprised Israel and the US but also raised fears of a preemptive strike by Iran on Israel. This led to talks between Washington and Jerusalem on toppling the regime, resulting in an agreement "on cooperation in defining the objectives" of an operation against Iran.
Defense stance
Katz defends Israel's independent decision-making in operation against Iran
Katz defended Israel's independent decision-making in the operation against Iran, despite suggestions of joint involvement with the US. He praised Netanyahu for his leadership in creating cooperation with President Donald Trump. When asked about another potential war with Iran, Katz said this current assault is "much broader" than previous ones and uses "three times more force." He hopes it will end with regime change in Iran, but declined to promise this would be the last conflict.
Shared aims
Israel, US aim to destroy Iran's nuclear, ballistic missile programs
Katz said Israel's goal is to destroy Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and its support for proxy groups. US President Trump also urged the Iranian people to "take over your government" after the attacks, emphasizing the opportunity for regime change. When asked whether the war would continue until the regime has been "completely changed," Katz told the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation that it "depended on the Iranian people."