On Thursday, Israel accused Iran of war crimes, specifically citing the targeting of hospitals in southern Israel amidst ongoing combat.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning that he may directly target Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a post on a social platform, Katz remarked on the recent attacks.
“The Iranian dictator hides in fortified bunkers, launching strikes on Israeli hospitals and residential areas,” he stated.
“These actions constitute severe war crimes, and Khamenei will be accountable for them,” Katz added.
The Defense Minister further mentioned that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to escalate their assaults on Iran’s strategic sites and government entities, aiming to eliminate threats to Israel and weaken Khamenei’s regime.
Iranian missiles hit Soroka Hospital in Beer Sheva, a key medical facility in southern Israel, around late Wednesday, causing damage to various residential construction sites near Tel Aviv.
The Israeli Health Ministry reported at least 240 injuries from the attack, mostly minor. More than 70 individuals were hurt by the strikes on the hospital, but thankfully, none sustained serious injuries.
In retaliation, the IDF attacked components of Iran’s nuclear program, particularly its heavy water reactor.
Israeli officials pointed out the importance of the attacked hospitals, emphasizing that they service not just Jews but also non-Jewish communities nearby. They also contrasted the differing strategies between the two nations.
“Iranian missile strikes directly hit Soroka Hospital in Beershéva this morning, which caters to over 1 million Israelis, including Bedouins, Jews, Christians, and Arabs,” Israeli military spokesman BG Efi Deflin stated on Thursday.
“Iran targets civilians; we focus on existential threats that jeopardize global security,” he noted.
This latest attack follows Israel’s strike on the headquarters of Tehran’s domestic police.
Meanwhile, discussions are underway in President Trump’s administration about whether to support Israel in its attempts to counter Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though direct actions against Khamenei are reportedly off the table.
On Wednesday, Iran’s leader declared he would “never surrender,” hinting that the U.S. might face the choice between full-scale war or other risks.
