China Shocked as Israel Authorises Military to Kill Iranian Officials

China was surprised by the Israeli government’s decision to allow its military to target Iranian officials without seeking approval, according to a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday (19/3). On Wednesday, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been given authority to kill high-ranking Iranian targets without needing further consent from Israeli leadership. “China is shocked by the statement,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press conference. Beijing firmly opposes the use of force in international relations and deems the assassination of Iranian leaders and attacks on civilian targets unacceptable, he said. China also urged all parties to immediately cease hostilities to prevent further escalation in the region. Katz stated on Tuesday that Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani had been killed in an Israeli operation in Tehran, along with Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the Basij paramilitary force. The Iranian government confirmed that both officials had become martyrs. On 4 March, Katz also declared that any new Iranian leader would be an “unconditional elimination target” for the Israeli military.