Iran's Revolutionary Guard Issues Death Threat Against Israeli Prime Minister
In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared on Sunday that it would actively "pursue and kill" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, provided he is "still alive." The chilling statement was published on the official IRGC website, Sepah News, and described Netanyahu in highly inflammatory terms as a "child-killing criminal."
Direct Threat and Official Clarification
"If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force," the IRGC's statement asserted, according to reports from the AFP news agency. This direct threat emerged amidst a flurry of online speculation concerning Netanyahu's health and status.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office was quick to issue a formal clarification to counter the rumors. "These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine," the office told Turkey's Anadolu Agency, directly addressing social media posts that falsely claimed Netanyahu had been killed in retaliation for recent military actions.
Speculation Fueled by Online Video and AI Concerns
Speculation about Netanyahu's condition intensified after a video of the Prime Minister circulated on various online platforms. Some users pointed to an unusual detail, claiming Netanyahu appeared to have "six fingers" in the footage. This anomaly led many observers to suggest the clip might be artificially generated, fueling further rumors about his whereabouts and even false claims of his death.
Background: The February 28 Strikes and Escalating Conflict
The IRGC's threatening statement is deeply rooted in the recent military actions that have plunged the region into deeper conflict. On February 28, the United States and Israel conducted a series of joint strikes across Iran, targeting key military installations and leadership sites.
These attacks proved devastating, resulting in the death of Iran's then-Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The strikes also claimed the lives of Khamenei's daughter, his son-in-law, and his 14-month-old granddaughter, who were reportedly with him at the time of the attack.
Analysts suggest the IRGC's branding of Netanyahu as a "child-killer" is a direct reference to the killing of Khamenei's young granddaughter during these operations. This personal loss has added a highly emotional and vengeful dimension to the already tense geopolitical standoff between Iran and Israel.
The ongoing conflict continues to destabilize the Middle East, with threats and counter-threats becoming increasingly severe. The IRGC's latest vow marks one of the most personal and explicit threats issued against a sitting Israeli leader in recent memory, raising concerns about further escalation.
