Katz: The Decision to Assassinate Khamenei Was Made Last November

Sada News Translation - Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday evening that the assassination of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei has been planned since last November.

Katz noted, as translated by Sada News, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made the decision early in that month.

Katz added in an interview with Hebrew television channels: Netanyahu concluded that "without eliminating Khamenei, we cannot reduce Iran's reluctance to attempt to return to possessing nuclear weapons."

He continued: As a result, an operational plan was put in place that was supposed to be completed by mid-year, but the unrest inside Iran and the risk of an Iranian preemptive strike hastened the start of the operation.

He further noted: Israel is working on a long-term strategic change, indicating that current strikes in Iran aim to dismantle the infrastructure and foundations of the Iranian regime and its capabilities completely.

Regarding Lebanon and Gaza, he said that his forces will remain inside and maintain security areas under their control.

The Israeli Defense Minister said: Israel controls most of Gaza and Hamas is under surveillance.

He added: There is an operation that will compel Hamas to disarm.