Israel says Iran leader ‘must not exist’ after hospital hit

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “can no longer be allowed to exist” after a hospital in southern Israel was struck by an Iranian missile on Thursday, marking a dangerous escalation in the week-long conflict.

Soroka Hospital in Beersheba was set ablaze by the strike, which Iran claimed targeted a military and intelligence base. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Iran would “pay a heavy price,” while Katz accused Khamenei of personally ordering attacks on civilian infrastructure.

“Khamenei openly calls for Israel’s destruction and orders strikes on hospitals,” Katz said. “Such a man must not be allowed to exist.”

The hospital’s director, Shlomi Codish, said 40 people were injured and extensive damage was caused across multiple wards and buildings.

The attack came on the seventh day of intense hostilities that erupted after Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, fearing it is nearing nuclear weapon capability. Over 200 people have been killed on both sides.

Amid mounting global concern, former US President Donald Trump hinted at possible American involvement, stating, “I may do it, I may not do it... The next week is going to be very big.” Trump has not ruled out a strike on Iran’s underground nuclear site at Fordo, though he has so far opted for diplomatic pressure.

Israel said on Thursday it had launched new raids on Iranian targets, including the Arak heavy-water reactor and the Natanz uranium enrichment site. The Israeli military said these operations aimed to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported a tightening of internet restrictions following a “near-total blackout” on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged both sides to pursue diplomacy, suggesting a deal could be reached that respects Israel’s security and Iran’s right to a peaceful nuclear programme. He confirmed Iran had not sought Russian military support.

Since the conflict began, Iran has launched around 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones, according to an Israeli military official. Israeli authorities said at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in Iran’s attacks. Tehran claims Israeli strikes have killed at least 224 people, including top military personnel and civilians.

Iran, enriching uranium at 60%—far beyond the 2015 nuclear deal’s cap of 3.67%—continues to deny intentions of weaponisation. Israel, while maintaining nuclear ambiguity, is believed to possess around 90 nuclear warheads.

The ongoing exchange has deepened fears of a broader regional conflict, 19 months into the Gaza war.