Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stirred global debate by suggesting that assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could effectively bring the ongoing Israel-Iran war to an end.
In a 20-minute interview with ABC News, Netanyahu openly defended Israel’s aggressive military campaign against Iran, calling it essential to neutralize what he described as a growing nuclear and regional threat.
“It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” Netanyahu declared when asked about reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump had blocked such an assassination plan during his tenure, fearing global escalation.
Netanyahu likened Khamenei to a “modern Hitler”, claiming the Iranian leader is driving the Middle East toward nuclear catastrophe:
“The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants, and they’re bringing us to the brink of nuclear war.”
While stopping short of confirming any active Israeli plot to assassinate Khamenei, Netanyahu hinted at decisive measures already underway:
“We’re doing what we need to do.”
Israel’s military continues to target Iranian nuclear sites, missile stockpiles, and military bases, while Iran responds with missile strikes—fueling fears of a full-scale regional conflict.
Despite the escalation, Netanyahu maintained a defiant stance, framing the standoff as a battle with global consequences:
“Today it’s Tel Aviv, tomorrow it’s New York,” he warned, pointing to Iran’s ballistic missile ambitions as a threat to the West.
Netanyahu has intensified his media campaign directed at American audiences, seeking broader support for Israel’s military actions. He accused Khamenei of sponsoring terrorism and vowed to prevent Iran from ever developing nuclear capabilities.
“He’s like a modern Hitler. He just will not stop, but we’re going to make sure he doesn’t have the means to carry out his threats,” he said.
The Israeli leader stressed that this war is not merely self-defense but a move to avert greater disaster and potentially bring lasting peace to the Middle East:
“It’s preventing the most horrific war imaginable… and could create the conditions for long-term peace if Iran is defanged.”
