The strike, which hit Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba on Thursday, left several wards in ruins and caused widespread panic.
authorities claimed the attack was aimed at a military and intelligence target, but the missile reportedly landed on hospital grounds, sparking a massive fire and injuring at least 40 people.
“This man, Khamenei, gives direct orders to attack hospitals. He has openly declared that he wants Israel destroyed. He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal. Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist,” Katz said during a press briefing, doubling down on Israel’s resolve to retaliate.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also condemned the strike, warning that Iran would “pay a heavy price” for targeting civilians and healthcare infrastructure.
Hospital director Shlomi Codish confirmed that multiple departments at Soroka Hospital had been destroyed, including a surgical unit that had recently been evacuated.
“Several wards were completely demolished and there is extensive damage across the entire hospital with damage to buildings, structures, windows, ceilings across the medical centre,” Codish said at the scene.
