After the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, on February 28th, the primary target of Israeli authorities was reportedly the Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Larijani, according to a Jerusalem Post report. As stated, citing senior Israeli Defense Ministry sources, significant resources were allocated both in intelligence and operational sectors, aimed at locating him. However, Larijani proved to be a difficult target, as he reportedly possessed extensive experience in avoiding detection, while taking enhanced security measures and precautions that delayed Israeli authorities’ efforts.
Read more: Iran: First photos with the coffins of Ali Larijani and his son
Ali Larijani: Constantly moving between secret locations
One of the measures he took was continuous movement. According to the same sources, in the last two weeks Ali Larijani was constantly moving between various secret locations. Sources reported that the precautionary measures taken by Larijani to avoid detection show how much Iran’s surviving senior officials feel they are assassination targets by the Israelis.
Intervention by Israel’s Chief of General Staff
The “special forces” monitoring Larijani, combined with the immediate decision by Israeli Armed Forces Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir and Israel’s political leadership, implemented the assassination plan. The transmission of intelligence to top decision-makers, who then immediately ordered the deployment of Air Force fighter jets on a new critical mission 1,600 kilometers away, paved the way for operational success, according to Israeli Defense Ministry sources.
The same sources emphasized that the assassination may also help the US in their current strategic situation, aimed at achieving various military objectives.
