Israel’s Defence Minister has declared Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist.”
This follows Iran striking Soroka Hospital in Beersheba, injuring at least 40 people. The strike was reportedly intended for the Israeli military and intelligence headquarters nearby, according to Iranian officials.
Iran launched the missile during a fresh wave of attacks, some of which have evaded Israel’s air defence systems. Defence Minister Israel Katz directly blamed Khamenei, accusing him of ordering the hospital strike and calling for his removal.
“He personally gives the order to fire on hospitals,” Mr Katz said.
“Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist.”
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “no one is immune,” but added, “in war, one must choose words carefully and execute actions with precision.”
The rhetoric follows reports US President Donald Trump vetoed a plan by Israel to assassinate Khamenei earlier in the conflict. Mr Netanyahu declined to comment but vowed to “exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran.”
Trump said this week he would not target Khamenei “for now” but claimed to know his whereabouts. The US president has signalled a decision on American military action could come within two weeks.
Israel is pushing for US strikes, particularly on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow nuclear site. Washington possesses “bunker-busting” bombs capable of reaching the facility.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, are urging de-escalation.
Russian and Chinese leaders have condemned Israel’s actions and warned against US intervention, calling for an immediate end to hostilities.