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Israel Reopens Airspace Amid Iran Crisis, Warns New Supreme Leader

Israel will gradually reopen its airspace overnight to conduct limited flights aimed at evacuating citizens stranded in the Gulf region. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Iran's subsequent appointment of his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as successor. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning that any new leader appointed by Iran will be a target for elimination. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut and has released footage of recent airstrikes on Iranian military assets.

Key Points: Israel Reopens Airspace, Warns Iran's New Leader

  • Airspace reopening for evacuations
  • Iran appoints new Supreme Leader
  • Israeli warning to successor
  • Strikes on Hezbollah in Beirut
  • Escalation after Khamenei assassination
2 min read

Israel to reopen airspace overnight March 4-5, resume limited flights from Ben Gurion Airport

Israel resumes limited flights to evacuate citizens as conflict escalates. Defense Minister warns Iran's new Supreme Leader is a target.

"Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime... will be an unequivocal target for elimination. - Israel Katz"

Tel Aviv, March 4

Israel will open its airspace on the night between March 4 and March 5, resuming limited flights from Ben Gurion Airport to safely evacuate Israeli's stuck in the Gulf region.

Israel Transport Minister Miri Regev announced this decision in a press conference, as the conflict in West Asia escalates after the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"The airspace will be opened on the night between Wednesday and Thursday gradually and ofcourse subject to security arrangements. We are doing everything to bring Israeli citizens home safely, in accordance to the security directives," she said.

Meanwhile, Iran has elected Ayatollah Khamenei's son, Mojtaba, as the successor to his father and will take over as Supreme Leader.

Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, warned that any leader appointed by the Iranian regime to replace Ali Khamenei will be a "target for elimination," reported the Times of Israel.

"Any leader appointed by the Iranian terror regime to continue leading the plan to destroy Israel, threaten the US and the free world and the countries of the region, and oppress the Iranian people, will be an unequivocal target for elimination. "It does not matter what his name is or where he hides," Katz said in a statement.

Mojtaba was said to have had a major hand in running his late father's office and maintains close ties with the top echelon of the IRGC and the Quds force, said the report. Israeli Media described Mojtaba has having a more hard-line position than his father and being behind the violent crackdowns on protesters in Iran. In November 2019, the US Treasury Department issued sanctions against Mojtaba. He was designated to represent the then Supreme Leader in an official capacity despite never being elected or appointed to a government position.

Meanwhile, the IDF said a new wave of strikes is underway against Hezbollah targets in Beirut. The IDF said further details will be provided later. Earlier, the IDF issued evacuation warnings for two buildings in Beirut ahead of airstrikes against Hezbollah infrastructure.

IDF also showed new footage of an airstrike against a group of Iranian soldiers operating an Air defence system, and the targeting of a Russian-made Mi-17 helicopter used by the Iranian army. A wave of Israeli airstrikes in Tehran on Tuesday had hit dozens of command centres of Iran's Basij paramilitary force and internal security forces.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The cycle of violence is just heartbreaking. A son succeeding his father in such a role speaks volumes. Israel's minister saying the new leader will be a "target" is an incredibly dangerous statement. Where does this end? 😔 The whole region suffers.
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Arjun K
From an Indian security perspective, this escalation is very concerning. We have vital interests and a large diaspora in the Gulf. Any full-blown conflict will spike oil prices and destabilize our economy. Our diplomacy needs to be on high alert.
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Sarah B
While the focus is on bringing Israelis home, I hope there is equal concern for the civilians in Beirut and Tehran facing airstrikes. The report mentions strikes on buildings after warnings, which is something, but the human cost is always terrible.
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Vikram M
Hardline successor in Iran, aggressive posturing from Israel. This is a recipe for a wider war. India has traditionally maintained ties with both sides. It will be a tough balancing act for our foreign policy. Jai Hind.
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Karthik V
The mention of targeting a Russian-made helicopter used by Iran is interesting. Shows how many players and alliances are involved indirectly. The world can't afford another major conflict. Hope cooler heads prevail.

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