Israeli Defense Minister Calls Khamenei a Modern-Day Hitler

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, resembles today’s version of “Hitler” and expressed that he “should no longer exist,” particularly after recent missile strikes by Iran targeting hospitals.

According to reports, Iranian missiles hit the Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva during a series of approximately 50 missile attacks, with four directly impacting various locations. Other strikes included areas in Tel Aviv and Horon, resulting in numerous injuries. However, the assault on Soroka was particularly alarming due to its vulnerable status as a medical facility.

Fortunately, the building targeted had been empty the previous day, and minimal injuries were reported. Fortunately, all patients and staff were able to move to a bomb shelter in the basement during the attack.

Health Minister Uriel Busso noted, as he mentioned to the Jerusalem Post, that the survival of everyone in the hospital was a strong indication of effective preparation and the government’s role in promoting safety measures. Yet, he pointed out that attacking hospitals is a “red line,” especially since the facility serves a mixed community of Jews, Arabs, Israelis, and Palestinians. “This is a significant event for the state,” he emphasized.

Katz elaborated, stressing that targeting a hospital, particularly if it’s not being used as a military site, is a severe breach of international law. He pointed out that Hamas’s military use of Gaza hospitals constitutes a war crime in itself.

During a visit to the strike site in Holon, Katz reiterated that Khamenei must be viewed as a “modern Hitler” who cannot remain in power. He expressed that it’s unacceptable for someone to lead Iran while striving to fulfill his openly stated goal of obliterating Israel.

Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump had recently dismissed an Israeli suggestion to eliminate Khamenei, but highlighted that the U.S. knows his possible whereabouts and that he remains vulnerable.

Iran has claimed that the missile strike on Soroka targeted a military site in an industrial park, misleadingly stating that this facility was adjacent to the hospital when it is, in fact, over a mile away. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) addressed this claim, stating in Persian that Soroka Medical Center has no military function, aside from providing care for injured soldiers, which is protected under international law.

While Israel has not detailed its response to attacks on hospitals, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that there will be significant repercussions for “the tyrant of Tehran.”