In a bold and controversial statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told ABC News that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would help end the conflict between Israel and Iran — not intensify it.Speaking with ABC’s Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl on Monday, Netanyahu dismissed concerns that such an action would escalate tensions. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict — it’s going to end the conflict,” he said. “We’ve had five decades of terror and aggression from this regime. We’re not provoking a war; we’re trying to stop one.”Netanyahu accused Iran of spreading chaos throughout the Middle East, referencing attacks on Saudi oil fields, widespread terrorism, and what he called a “nuclear brinkmanship.” He insisted Israel’s actions are about halting Iran’s ambitions. “This regime wants a forever war. We’re preventing that,” he claimed.Asked directly whether Israel intends to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Netanyahu responded vaguely: “We’re doing what we need to do.” He confirmed Israel had already targeted top Iranian nuclear scientists, comparing them to “Hitler’s nuclear team.”Netanyahu warned that Iran’s aggression isn’t limited to Israel. “Today it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York,” he said. “They chant ‘Death to America.’ Supporting Israel is not only in America’s interest — it’s in humanity’s interest.”He applauded former President Donald Trump’s firm stance against Iran and his support for Israel. “President Trump understands this is a battle between good and evil,” Netanyahu said. “Most Americans do too.”The interview comes amid increasing tensions following a series of Israeli airstrikes deep into Iranian territory. Iran has reportedly signaled a desire to return to nuclear negotiations, but Netanyahu dismissed these overtures as deceptive. “They lie, cheat, and string the U.S. along,” he said. “They don’t want talks — they want time to build weapons.”Netanyahu also addressed growing criticism from some U.S. conservatives, including commentator Tucker Carlson, who has argued the U.S. should not be involved in Israel’s war. “Iran is a threat to the whole world,” Netanyahu said. “We’re fighting your enemy too.”When asked if he would halt airstrikes if Trump asked, Netanyahu praised Trump but was noncommittal. “Trump laid out clear conditions: Iran must not have a nuclear weapon. And that means they can’t enrich uranium,” he said.He added that Israeli strikes would continue unless Iran met those demands in good faith — something he does not believe Tehran is prepared to do.Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department updated its travel advisory on Monday, classifying all of Israel and the West Bank as “Level 4: Do Not Travel” — the highest warning level.Trump, currently attending the G7 summit in Canada, declined to specify what would trigger U.S. military involvement. “I don’t want to talk about that,” he said.According to official figures, 224 people have been killed in Iran and 24 in Israel since the conflict escalated last week. Iran has suspended previously scheduled nuclear talks in Oman, and its foreign minister accused the U.S. of backing Israeli aggression.“This is the last red line,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, warning that continued global silence over Israeli actions could have far-reaching consequences.Netanyahu, however, remained resolute. “Sometimes, you have to stand up to evil,” he said. “And that’s what America and Israel are doing — together.”
