Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has officially disclosed details regarding preparation plans aimed at the removal of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Reuters, that these strategic objectives were part of a broader military and intelligence framework.
The Minister stated that as early as November, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had set the goal of dismantling the Khamenei regime. Following consultations with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Mossad, a deadline for the operation was set for mid-2025. This decision was based on acquired intelligence and the outcomes of Operation Am Kalavi, which Israel executed against Iran in the summer of 2025.
According to Katz, Israel achieved satisfactory results within the framework of Operation Am Kalavi, specifically disrupting Iran's nuclear and missile programs. "However, it was necessary to ensure they could not restore these capabilities," he explained. The Defense Minister also noted that strategic negotiations and meetings took place between the Israeli Prime Minister and US President Donald Trump during this process.
Katz concluded by emphasizing that while internal unrest began in Iran following initial diplomatic dialogues, concerns arose that the regime might launch preemptive strikes against the State of Israel and US forces in the region. "They had developed plans that we were monitoring and aware of. Consequently, it became clear that the operation needed to be accelerated," Katz stated.
This escalation comes amid long-standing tensions between Israel and Iran regarding regional hegemony and nuclear proliferation. Israel has consistently maintained that it will not allow Iran to attain nuclear weapons capability, viewing it as an existential threat. The involvement of US President Donald Trump underscores the continued strategic alliance between Washington and Jerusalem in addressing Middle Eastern security challenges and countering Tehran's influence in the region.
