Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “no life insurance” for Iran’s newly elected Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. (File photo) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was “no life insurance” for Iran’s newly elected Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, as Israel and the United States continue their military campaign against Iran.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Netanyahu said the joint US-Israeli war effort against Iran was progressing well. According to the Associated Press (AP), he also suggested that leaders of groups hostile to Israel could be targeted.
Israel launched its campaign against Iran on February 28, which the United States calls Operation Epic Fury.
“There is no life insurance for terrorist leaders”
Asked whether Israel would attack Mojtaba Khamenei or Naim Qassem, the leader of Hezbollah, Netanyahu said he would not rule it out.
“I would not take out a life insurance policy for any of the leaders of terrorist organizations,” Netanyahu said, according to the AP.
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Mojtaba Khamenei becomes supreme leader of Iran after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli attacks early in the war.
Netanyahu said Israel was attacking Iranian security forces and their allies.
“We are dealing crushing blows to the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij both on the streets and at checkpoints, and we are still active,” he said.
‘The time of freedom is approaching’
Netanyahu also addressed the Iranian people and said that change in Iran would depend on them.
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“The time is approaching when you can embark on a new path of freedom,” he said.
“We are by your side, we are helping you. But at the end of the day it depends on you. It is in your hands,” he added.
Netanyahu said Israel’s military campaign aims to weaken Iran’s leadership and create conditions for change.
“You can lead someone to water, you can’t force them to drink,” he said, suggesting that the Iranian people should decide the future of their country.
Netanyahu praises ties with Trump
Netanyahu also praised his relationship with US President Donald Trump and said the two leaders remain in close contact during the conflict.
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“We talk almost every day. We talk freely, exchange ideas and advice and make decisions together,” he said.
Netanyahu also hinted that Israel was working on new partnerships with countries in the region, although he did not provide details.
