### Escalating Tensions: Israeli Minister Calls for Elimination of Iran's Khamenei After Hospital Strike - In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has publicly declared that Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, "can no longer be allowed to exist." This statement follows a missile strike attributed to Iran that hit the Soroka Hospital in southern Israel, which Israeli officials have condemned as a deliberate attack on civilian infrastructure [https://au.news.yahoo.com/israel-says-khamenei-no-longer-205415780.html]. Katz's comments reflect the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly in light of Khamenei's long-standing calls for the destruction of Israel [https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/19/israels-defense-minister-after-hospital-strike-khamenei-should-no-longer-continue-to-exist]. ### Breakdown of Key Statements and Context 1. **Katz's Accusations**: Katz has accused Khamenei of committing "war crimes" and has drawn parallels between him and historical figures like Hitler, emphasizing the existential threat he poses to Israel [https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/19/israels-defense-minister-after-hospital-strike-khamenei-should-no-longer-continue-to-exist]. 2. **Iran's Response**: In reaction to Katz's threats, Iran's UN envoy has vowed to continue retaliatory actions until Israeli attacks cease, indicating a potential for further escalation in hostilities [https://www.turkiyetoday.com/region/israeli-defense-minister-threatens-to-eliminate-irans-supreme-leader-3203121]. 3. **Historical Context**: Khamenei's leadership has been marked by a consistent anti-Israel stance, which Katz cites as justification for his extreme rhetoric [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/amp/world/middle-east/khamenei-can-no-longer-be-allowed-to-exist-israel-1886267]. 4. **Security Concerns**: The security measures surrounding Khamenei are described as extremely tight, reflecting the high stakes involved in any potential military action against him [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/israel-iran-khamenei-no-longer-exist-missile-strikes-netanyahu-us-trump-5192491]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Recent Attacks**: The missile strike on Soroka Hospital is part of a broader pattern of military engagements between Israel and Iran, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilians. - **Statements from Officials**: Katz's statements have been echoed by other Israeli officials, reinforcing the narrative of Khamenei as a direct threat to Israeli sovereignty [https://indianexpress.com/article/world/iran-israel-minister-khamenei-can-no-longer-be-allowed-to-exist-10076105]. - **Public Sentiment**: The Israeli public's perception of Khamenei as a threat has been shaped by years of hostile rhetoric from Iranian leadership, which has consistently called for Israel's destruction [https://www.latintimes.com/israeli-defense-minister-vows-kill-iranian-supreme-leader-after-hospital-hit-cannot-allowed-585305]. ### Conclusion: A Dangerous Escalation - **Major Findings**: The statements made by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz represent a significant escalation in the rhetoric surrounding the Israeli-Iranian conflict. His call for the elimination of Khamenei underscores the deep-seated animosity and the potential for military confrontation. - **Key Points**: 1. Katz's declaration reflects a broader Israeli strategy to counter perceived existential threats from Iran. 2. The Iranian response indicates a willingness to escalate military actions in retaliation for Israeli strikes. 3. The historical context of Khamenei's leadership adds weight to Katz's claims, framing the conflict as not just political but existential. This situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring developments as both sides prepare for potential further escalations in hostilities [https://www.mediaite.com/politics/irans-supreme-leader-can-no-longer-be-allowed-to-exist-says-israeli-defense-minister].