Khamenei: Israel’s Survival in Question as Tensions Escalate

In a bold statement, Iranian leader Khamenei claims Israel will not last long, reflecting the heightened tensions in the region. Understand the context and potential ramifications of his remarks.

According to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the unexpected assault on Israel by Hamas last year was both a “logical and legal” move aimed at overcoming what he described as the “malicious and cowardly” Zionist regime.

On Friday, Khamenei delivered his first public sermon in almost five years, during which he justified the actions taken against Israel by the ‘axis of resistance,’ comprising Hezbollah based in Lebanon and the Palestinian group Hamas.

Monday marks the one-year anniversary of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, initiated as a response to Hamas’ unexpected assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in around 1,100 fatalities and more than 200 people being taken hostage. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry earlier this week, over the past year since then—following years under an effective blockade—the campaign has led to the deaths of over 41,000 Palestinians within the enclave.

Tensions between Israel and nearby Muslim nations have escalated during the Gaza operation, with Iran and Hezbollah backing Hamas and Palestine. Earlier this month, the conflict intensified as Israel initiated a ground offensive in Lebanon. In response, Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel this week.

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In his sermon, Khamenei stated that the Palestinians have “the right to defend their land, home, country, and interests against aggressors,” just like “every people.” He emphasized that this rationale is endorsed by international law. Furthermore, he mentioned that those who assist and support the Palestinians are simply fulfilling their responsibilities.

“This aligns with the principles of Islam, reason, and international logic. The Palestinians are defending their land; their defense is legitimate, and supporting them is both logical and lawful,” he asserted.

He justified Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, stating it was “the least retribution for the oppressive and violent Zionist regime… which has primarily devastated homes, schools, hospitals, and civilian gathering places” in Gaza.

Khamenei stated that Iran “will take any necessary action” to ensure Israel’s defeat, arguing that West Jerusalem has only been able to “survive” for so long because of support from its Western allies.

He claimed, “This regime behaves like frenzied wolves and wild dogs serving America’s interests in the region. This malevolent and cowardly entity has only managed to survive due to American support, but it won’t endure for much longer.”

Khamenei emphasized that foreign interference is the primary issue in the Middle East, asserting that countries within the region can achieve security and peace independently. He criticized America’s involvement and backing of West Jerusalem, arguing that the US has never genuinely sought peace in the Middle East. Instead, he claimed their objective has been to use Israel as a means to exploit regional natural resources for investment in major global conflicts.