NEW YORK – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a televised interview on Monday that removing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would bring an end to the current hostilities between the two countries.
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“They’re targeting civilians deliberately,” Netanyahu said. “This wouldn’t escalate the war — it would stop it.”
In the interview, Netanyahu rejected concerns that such a move would provoke a wider conflict, instead arguing that decades of aggression by the Iranian regime have brought the region to the brink of a nuclear confrontation. “For over 50 years, Iran has exported terror, attacked global energy infrastructure, and sown chaos across the Middle East. This is their war, and we’re trying to stop it,” he said.
Asked if Israel would actually strike the supreme leader, Netanyahu responded: “We’re taking the steps necessary. I won’t go into operational details, but Iran’s top nuclear scientists have already been targeted. This is essentially a nuclear program designed by those who want to destroy us.”
Netanyahu warned that Iran’s ambitions threaten not only Israel but also its allies. “Today they target Tel Aviv. Tomorrow it could be New York,” he said. “They chant ‘Death to America’ — how is that not relevant to American interests?”
He expressed strong appreciation for President Donald Trump’s support, saying, “America stands with what’s right. President Trump gets that. His backing is deeply appreciated.”
Responding to voices in the U.S. urging disengagement from the conflict, including some conservative commentators, Netanyahu pushed back: “We’re fighting a common enemy. Iran doesn’t just want to destroy Israel. We’re just in their way.”
He also dismissed recent reports suggesting Iran is open to renewed nuclear negotiations, calling it a “deception.” According to Netanyahu, Israeli intelligence shows Iran is continuing to build its missile and nuclear capabilities while pretending to seek diplomacy.
“This is a fight between civilization and barbarism,” Netanyahu concluded. “We have no choice but to confront it — and America does too.”
In a separate development, the U.S. State Department has raised its travel warning for Israel and the West Bank to its highest level, advising American citizens not to travel to the region due to ongoing security risks.
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