Khamenei demands death for Israelis - rejects ICC warrants as too lenient

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei escalated his rhetoric against Israel on Monday, calling for death sentences for its leaders instead of arrest warrants.

“Netanyahu and the criminal leaders of this regime must be sentenced to death,” Khamenei declared in a fiery speech, as quoted by Iranian state media IRNA.

His remarks followed the International Criminal Court's issuance of arrest warrants last Thursday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and ex-Hamas military wing chief Mohammad Deif.

“What the Zionist regime did in Gaza and Lebanon is not a victory; it is a war crime,” Khamenei said. “Now, they have issued a warrant for their arrest. This is not enough.”

The ICC’s unprecedented move comes amid mounting international scrutiny over recent escalations in the region. Khamenei’s comments reflect Iran’s unwavering stance as tensions continue to surge.