Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that Esmail Khatib was “eliminated” in an overnight strike, a claim that could signal a sharp escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran if confirmed.
Katz stated that the operation was approved at the highest level, with Benjamin Netanyahu involved in authorising the strike. He added that Israeli forces have now been given broader authority to target other senior Iranian officials without requiring additional approval, indicating a more aggressive military posture.
There has been no official confirmation from Iranian authorities regarding the reported killing, and Tehran has yet to respond publicly to the claim.
The absence of verification leaves uncertainty around the development, with analysts warning of possible misinformation during periods of heightened conflict.
If confirmed, the killing of a sitting intelligence minister would mark a significant development with potential regional repercussions, increasing the likelihood of retaliation and further instability across the Middle East.
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