Israel’s far-reaching policy of targeted assassinations has defined its foreign relations, particularly with respect to Iran, over the years. This strategy ramped up considerably of late. As it followed on the heels of the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (which took place on the first day of the US-Israeli war on Iran), this development has opened tremendous questions about what the subsequent future actions may mean for regional stability and international relations.
The history of Israel’s assassination policy goes back several decades. Targeting civilians, particularly those suspected of posing a threat to Israel’s national security interests, has long been a focus of Israel’s military strategy. Over the years, the Israeli government has overseen dozens of such operations to eradicate senior officials in enemy countries, especially in Iran. In recent years, these strikes have extended to the assassination of several senior Iranian military, intelligence and political figures.
The targeted assassination of Khamenei would also represent a major new step-up of Israel’s campaign. Clearly, as the unconditional and unrepentant supreme leader of Iran, Khamenei held the keys to the kingdom and directed the Iranian government and military with ironclad control. His removal from power not only means a victory for the movement, but changes the internal dynamics within Iran. It would also send huge ripple effects throughout the Middle East.
This extra-judicial killing also marked the start of a new, wider war. The US-Israeli war on Iran. This war significantly upends the security environment within which geopolitical tensions in the region were previously managed. Analysts say the moves are part of an orchestrated campaign by Israel and the United States to increase Iranian influence and aggression in neighboring countries. This unified campaign seeks to degrade Iran’s military power.
The implications of Khamenei’s assassination go far beyond just longer-term military aims. It risks provoking retaliation from Iran, which has classically retaliated severely against such provocations. The Iranian government has promised bloody retribution for its leader’s death. This may trigger a new round of violence that draws in the whole region.
This incident serves as another example of the ongoing risks inherent in Israel’s assassination policy to address real or imagined threats. Such operations have already proven successful in eliminating some of Iran’s highest-ranking officials, and further advancements toward Israel’s strategic goals could be achieved. Pursuing such a strategy creates an ethical dilemma with respect to sovereignty and international law.
