Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, saying, "The adversary Khamenei was thwarted in the opening strike of Operation 'Lion's Roar,' along with other senior figures in the Iranian terror fortress. Whoever acted to destroy Israel - was destroyed. Justice has been served and the axis of evil has suffered a mortal blow." He congratulated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on "the leadership and determination" and the IDF on "the brilliant execution." He added: "We will continue to act with full force to defend the State of Israel."