Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was eliminated by Israel because he initiated and led the plan to destroy Israel. Katz added that any Iranian leader who tries to promote such plans again will also be eliminated, and that the 'Death to Trump' chants at the funeral reveal the regime's true nature.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated at 08:54 Jerusalem this morning that Israel eliminated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei because he initiated and led a plan to destroy Israel, as the funeral of the late leader continued in Tehran. The statement, which Katz framed as a direct warning to any future Iranian leader, was the latest in a series of briefings from the defense minister that began at the same time. Katz also condemned "Death to Trump" chants heard at the funeral, calling them a disgrace that reveals the regime's true nature.
The Zioneer's initial report at 08:54 Jerusalem recorded Katz's claim of responsibility. Within minutes, subsequent updates added that Katz declared "the destroyer was destroyed," warned that any Iranian leader pursuing similar plans would be eliminated, and credited the joint Israeli-U.S. operation for removing immediate existential threats. The thread shows that Katz's messaging evolved rapidly, with each version of the bulletin incorporating additional details about the funeral atmosphere and the minister's rhetoric.
As The Zioneer previously reported, the funeral has been a stage for escalating threats. On July 4, the Iran Intelligence Ministry vowed revenge. On July 5, the funeral emcee threatened to assassinate President Trump, and speakers have called for the killing of the U.S. president. Katz's remarks come amid a volatile leadership transition in Iran and ongoing diplomatic and military tensions.
The situation remains fluid. The funeral is still underway, and Iranian officials have not issued an official response to Katz's latest comments. The scale of any potential retaliation, and the security posture of both Israel and the U.S., remain unverified.
6 developments
- ConfirmedKatz in situation assessment: Iran's nuclear program eliminated, IDF ordered to prepare for independent strike
- DevelopingKatz: Iran's nuclear program eliminated, must ensure it does not return
- DevelopingMinister Katz hails US-Israel joint campaign against Iran as 'dramatic achievement'
- StrongFuneral emcee at Khamenei's funeral threatens to murder Trump: 'his elimination is ours'
Source and signal
- Internal intake