Israel at a Crossroads: Could Killing Khamenei Spark a Revolution in Iran?

As the conflict deepens, the United States continues to hold back from direct involvement, despite the strategic disruption unfolding in Iran. For Israel, the sense of isolation is growing, and so is the urgency. In the absence of meaningful American engagement, Israeli decision-makers may now consider assassinating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in an attempt to trigger regime change.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak recently emphasized a sobering truth - Israel cannot eliminate Iran’s nuclear program on its own. While it may delay progress through cyberattacks, sabotage, or tactical strikes, Israel lacks the bunker-busting bombs needed to reach Iran’s deeply buried enrichment facilities.

Those weapons exist only in American hands.

Barak's assessment leaves Israel facing a stark choice:

From a purely strategic perspective, some Israeli analysts argue that sparking an internal revolution in Iran may now be the most effective - and perhaps only - path forward.

Given that the current escalation is expected to last at least several weeks, it remains unclear whether Israel’s outreach to the United States was intended to accelerate the process - or whether it is part of a broader strategic plan that aligns with a multi-week timeline.

Whether Israel takes bold unilateral action or continues pressing Washington to lead, one thing is clear: time is running out, and inaction is no longer a sustainable option.