'We'll reach you personally': Katz threatens Khamenei from IAF base
Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened again to assassinate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a visit to the Israel Air Force's Ramon Air Base on Sunday.
"I want to send a clear message to the dictator Khamenei: If you continue to threaten Israel, our long arm will once again reach Iran, with even greater force, and this time, it will reach you personally," Katz said.
"Do not threaten us, or you will be harmed," he added.
This occurred during a speech praising the jet fighter crews at Ramon Air Base. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was also present.
"Thank you for the incredible work you did in Operation Rising Lion, when you opened the skies to Tehran, struck repeatedly at the head of the Iranian octopus, and removed threats of annihilation," Katz stated.
The 'Iranian octopus' refers to a doctrine of former prime minister Naftali Bennett, which described Iran's Axis of Resistance as an octopus with tentacles reaching across the region.
Previous threats Katz issued towards Khamenei
Katz on June 17 directly threatened Khamenei's life, warning him that he could end up like the killed former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The threat by Katz allowed maneuvering room since, technically, Hussein was actually killed by his own people after an extended period of running and hiding after US forces toppled his regime in Iraq.
Speaking at the IAF pilots' graduation ceremony on July 10, Katz said the graduates symbolize the long arm of the IDF, which can strike anywhere in Iran, from Tehran to Isfahan to Tabriz.
The graduates were also 'a direct message to the dictator [Iranian Supreme Leader Ali] Khamenei and to the ayatollahs in Iran about the destructive power of the air force should Iran test the Jewish state's patience,' he said.
There is no place where Iranian officials who harm Israel can hide, he added.
Katz indicated on Tuesday evening that Israel may consider resuming its campaign against Iran, during a situation assessment held with senior military leaders.
The meeting included key military figures such as Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir, Deputy Chief of Staff Maj.-Gen. Tamir Yadai, and heads of the IDF Intelligence Directorate, as well as additional IDF commanders and representatives from the Mossad and Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency).
Yonah Jeremy Bob and Maariv contributed to this report.
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