Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday threatened Iranian leaders that sought to destroy Israel, adding that it was Israel that eliminated slain leader Ali Khamenei.
Katz’s comments came as Iran holds a multi-day funeral for Khamenei. After lying in state for two days at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla religious complex, the body of Khamenei began its journey through the capital accompanied by massive crowds of mourners.
Katz said that any Iranian leader who “attempts to advance plans to destroy Israel will be thwarted,” CNN reported according to a spokesperson.
“Khamenei, whose funeral is taking place now, was eliminated by Israel because he initiated and led the plan to destroy Israel in Iran and across the region,” Katz was quoted as saying.
He added that US-Israel strikes on Iran “removed the immediate existential threats facing Israel and severely damaged Iran’s strategic capabilities.”
Khamenei and other family members were killed in an attack on February 28, when Israel and the US bombed Iranian targets at the start of the war.
