Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ignited global controversy and anger after expressing that the murder of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, will put an end to the growing conflict between the two countries. The statement, made in a top-level security meeting, has attracted criticism from both world leaders and human rights groups.
Netanyahu was quoted as saying that “cutting off the head of the snake” might end the cycle of attacks and counterattacks that has grown more intense over the past few weeks, with missile battles and airstrikes shaking the Middle East. Although no plan or order has been officially announced, the very suggestion of going after a foreign leader again has raised dread about broader war.
Iranian leaders quickly condemned the remarks as “state-sponsored terrorism” and threatened “severe consequences” in case any attempt on the life of their Supreme Leader was made. International actors, such as the UN and EU, have demanded an immediate de-escalation and appealed to both sides to go back to diplomacy.
This contentious and assertive claim by Netanyahu is made as the conflict between Israel and Iran reaches a turning point with mounting civilian casualties, shot-up airspaces, and increasing international apprehension of a regional war.
