Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has vowed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, “cannot be allowed to exist anymore.” This statement comes after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel’s Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, injuring 271 people, with 71 directly hurt in the hospital strike.
Katz made his remarks in Holon, near Tel Aviv, stating that Khamenei had openly declared his intention to destroy Israel and personally ordered the hospital attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed a similar sentiment during his visit to Beersheba, saying, “I’ve made it clear that no one is exempt.” However, he emphasized the need for careful word choice and precise action in times of war.
The recent attack is part of a larger conflict between Israel and Iran. Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Israel planned to strike Khamenei, but was halted by a warning from then-US President Donald Trump. Trump later suggested he knew where Khamenei was hiding but chose not to act.
Iran’s UN representative claimed they targeted a building linked to Israel’s military operations against Iran, not the hospital. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, attributed the hospital damage to the blast from hitting a nearby military command center. However, images show the hospital suffered significant damage.
The Israeli Health Ministry reported 271 injuries from the Thursday attack, the seventh day of fighting. The conflict continues to escalate, with both sides trading blows and rhetoric.