Fact Check: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 23, 2023, that his openness to assassinating Iran’s supreme leader would not escalate the conflict but would end it.

Fact Check: Netanyahu Claims Assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader Would End Conflict

What We Know

On October 23, 2023, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a controversial statement regarding the potential assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During an interview with ABC News, Netanyahu asserted that such an action would not escalate the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran but would instead bring it to an end. He stated, "It's not going to escalate the conflict, it's going to end the conflict" (source-4). This remark comes amidst heightened tensions following a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, which have resulted in significant casualties on both sides (source-3).

Analysis

Netanyahu's claim that assassinating Khamenei would end the conflict rather than escalate it is a bold assertion that raises questions about the potential consequences of such an action. Critics argue that targeting a high-profile leader like Khamenei could provoke severe retaliation from Iran, potentially leading to a broader regional conflict. However, Netanyahu contends that Iran seeks a "forever war," implying that decisive actions against its leadership could disrupt this cycle of violence (source-6).

The reliability of sources reporting on Netanyahu's statements is generally high, with major news outlets like ABC News and Anadolu Agency providing coverage. However, the context of these statements is crucial. Netanyahu's comments were made in a highly charged political environment, where military actions and rhetoric can significantly influence public perception and international relations. Additionally, past U.S. administrations, including that of Donald Trump, have expressed concerns over the implications of such assassination plans, indicating a complex geopolitical landscape (source-5).

Conclusion

The claim that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated his openness to assassinating Iran’s supreme leader would not escalate the conflict but would end it is True. Netanyahu explicitly made this statement during an interview, framing the potential assassination as a means to conclude ongoing hostilities. While the assertion is controversial and subject to debate regarding its feasibility and consequences, it accurately reflects Netanyahu's expressed views on the matter.

Sources

1. Israel Iran Conflict LIVE: Netanyahu says killing Iran's supreme leader ...
2. Netanyahu did not rule out the possibility of an assassination attempt ...
3. Netanyahu says assassination of Iran's supreme leader ...
4. Netanyahu tells ABC he's not ruling out taking out Iran's ...
5. Trump vetoed Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran's supreme leader
6. Netanyahu suggests killing Iran's supreme leader ...
7. Benjamin Netanyahu vows to attack Iran for 'as long as necessary' as ...
8. Netanyahu says killing Iran's supreme leader would 'end ...