Israel declines to rule out attack on Iranian Supreme Leader: 'The forever war is what Iran wants'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday declined to rule out targeting Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that his country was doing what it had to and that a "forever war" was in Iran's best interest, not Israel's. 

The comments come as Israel and Iran engage in a conflict, which began last week after Israel launched a preemptive air campaign against the Iranian nuclear program and key regime and military officials.

Netanyahu rejected criticism that the assassination of Khamenei would escalate the conflict with Iran, telling ABC News that it would "end the conflict" instead.

"We've had half a century of conflict spread by this regime that terrorizes everyone in the Middle East; has bombed the Aramco oil fields in Saudi Arabia; is spreading terrorism and subversion and sabotage everywhere," Netanyahu said. "The 'forever war' is what Iran wants, and they're bringing us to the brink of nuclear war. In fact, what Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression, and we can only do so by standing up to the forces of evil."

Netanyahu did not confirm that Israel was planning to assassinate Iran's leader but said Israel was "doing what we need to do."

The prime minister also encouraged the United States to get involved in the conflict and help eliminate Iran's potential as a nuclear power, stating it was in America's best interest since Iran does not like the U.S.

"Today, it's Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it's New York," he warned. "Look, I understand 'America First.' I don't understand 'America Dead.' That's what these people want. They chant 'Death to America.' So we're doing something that is in the service of mankind, of humanity, and it's a battle of good against evil. America does, should, and does stand with the good. That's what President Trump is doing, and I deeply appreciate his support." 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.