News Summary
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- Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz claims the assassination of Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib.
- Gantz stated, “Last night, we also eliminated Iran’s Intelligence Minister Khatib.”
- Iran has not responded to Israel’s claims; Khatib was appointed minister in 2021.
March 17, Kathmandu – Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz has claimed that Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib has been assassinated.
Gantz stated that Khatib was killed last night. According to Gantz, “Last night, we also eliminated Iran’s Intelligence Minister Khatib.”
Al Jazeera also reported Gantz’s announcement regarding the killing of Iran’s Intelligence Minister Khatib. Israeli military analysts note that Khatib was closely aligned with Iran’s new Supreme Leader.
Iran has yet to respond to Israel’s latest claim. Khatib was appointed to the ministerial position by former President Ebrahim Raisi in 2021.
Khatib had studied Islamic law under many prominent religious leaders, including Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In 2022, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Khatib, accusing him of involvement in cyber activities against the U.S. and its allies.
