Israel Condemns Iran’s Khamenei Following Missile Strike on Hospital
In a strong and unprecedented statement, Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on Thursday that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist.” This declaration came in the wake of a missile attack on Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, part of Iran’s recent wave of retaliatory strikes.
Missile Strike on Soroka Hospital Sparks Outrage
The Iranian ballistic missile strike caused considerable damage to the Soroka Hospital, though luckily no severe injuries were reported, as patients and staff had been relocated to protected shelters. Videos circulating on social media revealed debris-filled corridors and medical staff visibly shaken amidst the wreckage.
A hospital spokesperson confirmed extensive damage across multiple areas and urged the public to avoid visiting while damage assessments and injury reports were ongoing.
“Soroka Hospital, serving Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Arab Bedouins, was targeted indiscriminately by an Iranian missile,” the Israeli Foreign Ministry said. “Israel remains steadfast in protecting all its people, regardless of background.”
Escalation of Conflict Across Israel
The attacks triggered missile sirens throughout Israel, including major cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, as some missiles evaded interception systems. Blasts in central Israel injured at least 40 people, predominantly around the Tel Aviv area.
In retaliation, Israeli jets launched airstrikes targeting Iranian facilities, notably a heavy-water reactor near Arak and the Natanz nuclear complex.
Katz Labels Khamenei a ‘Cowardly Dictator’ and War Criminal
Defence Minister Katz sharply criticized Khamenei, stating, “The cowardly Iranian dictator hides deep in fortified bunkers while deliberately ordering attacks on hospitals and residential buildings in Israel.”
He added, “These are war crimes of the gravest kind, and Khamenei will be held accountable.” Katz further revealed that directives had been issued to increase the intensity of operations against strategic targets within Iran and Tehran’s government sites.
“The Prime Minister and I have instructed the IDF to intensify strikes to neutralize threats and destabilize the ayatollahs’ regime,” Katz wrote on social media.
Shift in Israel’s Strategic Approach
Katz’s declaration marks a notable shift, publicly affirming regime change in Tehran as a war objective. Previously, Israeli attacks targeted mainly military and nuclear infrastructure. However, recent operations now include facilities not directly linked to Iran’s nuclear program, signaling an escalation in tactics.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials assured that the strike on the Arak heavy-water reactor did not cause radiation leaks, citing prior evacuations following Israeli warnings.
Khamenei’s Warning to the U.S.
In response to growing international involvement, Khamenei cautioned the United States against transitioning from defensive support of Israel to active military engagement on Iranian soil, pointing to potentially severe consequences.
The Broader Impact
- The Soroka Hospital attack underscores the human costs of escalating regional tensions.
- Israel’s hardline stance indicates an escalation in its military and political objectives regarding Iran.
- The conflict raises concerns over civilian safety and the possibility of further regional destabilization.
With the conflict now surpassing a week, the stakes continue to rise as both sides intensify their military actions and rhetoric.
