Tel Aviv: Israel's defense minister announced plans on Thursday to escalate military actions targeting Iran, aiming to undermine the Iranian regime. Israel Katz, using his official X account, stated that both he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have instructed the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to increase the intensity of their attacks on strategic and governmental sites within Iran. The objective, as outlined, is to neutralize perceived threats against Israel and destabilize the regime led by the Ayatollah.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced this stance, asserting that Iran will face consequences for its missile assaults on central Israel, which took place earlier the same day. The missile attacks reportedly involved between 20 to 30 projectiles striking areas including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon. Additionally, Soroka Hospital, located in Beersheba, was also affected by the strikes.

Iran's state news agency, IRNA, reported that the missiles were directed at the headquarters of the Israeli army and intelligence services situated near Soroka Hospital. The ensuing blast wave was said to have caused injuries at the hospital. Israeli authorities have confirmed that at least 65 individuals sustained injuries as a result of this latest barrage of missile strikes.