Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz announced on Friday that he has instructed the military to draw up an operational plan targeting Iran, following the two countries’ 12-day aerial conflict.
In an official statement, Katz said the plan aims to maintain Israel’s air superiority, prevent Tehran from advancing its nuclear capabilities and missile production, and retaliate for Iran’s continued support of activities that Tel Aviv labels as terrorism hostile to Israel.
Katz also revealed to local media that Israel would have assassinated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei if given the chance during the air campaign. Speaking to Israel’s Kan Radio, Katz declared, “If he had been in our sights, we would have killed him,” adding that the military had conducted extensive searches for Khamenei.
“He understood this, so he went deep underground and severed communications with other leaders — so it wasn’t possible,” Katz explained. He also told Channel 13 that Israel would now halt further assassination attempts, noting that “there is a difference between what is possible before a ceasefire and what is possible after it.”
Meanwhile, Israel Hayom reported growing concerns within Israeli security circles about the possibility of Iran acquiring advanced Chinese fighter jets following the conclusion of the 12-day conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
The newspaper questioned: “Will Israel soon face an upgraded Iranian air force thanks to China?”
According to the report, Iranian officials have renewed their interest in purchasing the advanced J-10C fighter jets during Iranian Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh’s recent visit to Beijing. The Iranian minister was seen sitting in the cockpit of the J-10C — a model that, while not the newest Chinese production, has recently passed tests proving its performance against some of the West’s most sophisticated aircraft.
The report added that during the recent India–Pakistan conflict, Pakistan’s J-10C jets succeeded in downing several French-made Rafale fighters, which are regarded among Europe’s most advanced combat aircraft. Developed by Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, the J-10C uses PL-15 medium- and long-range missiles, which effectively hit Indian aircraft from within Pakistani territory.
Previously, Iran had considered finalising such a deal with China, but Beijing reportedly chose to avoid provoking Washington by adhering to the arms embargo imposed on Tehran.
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