Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has revealed that Israel had decided to eliminate Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei back in November. In an interview with Israeli TV channel N12 News, he stated that the decision was made during a limited meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where they set a target for Khamenei's elimination. The initial plan was projected to be executed around mid-2026.

Gallant elaborated that the discussions in November included sharing the operational plans with the United States, signaling a broader strategic collaboration between the two nations. As the situation evolved, particularly with increasing protests within Iran, Israel decided to expedite the plan implementation, leading to a joint aerial campaign launched in collaboration with U.S. forces around January. The underlying motivation for this urgency stemmed from concerns that the Iranian regime might retaliate against Israeli and U.S. targets under rising domestic pressures.

This development underscores a significant escalation in the tensions between Israel and Iran, further complicating the geopolitical dynamics in the region. The acknowledgment of a premeditated plan to target Khamenei not only raises questions about the potential ramifications for Iran's internal stability but also illustrates the extent of Israel's willingness to act decisively amidst rising threats. As both nations continue to navigate their respective political and military strategies, the implications of such revelations could redefine their adversarial relationship in the coming months.