Tel Aviv: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning on Thursday, threatening to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a statement published by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, Katz described Khamenei as "the modern Hitler," declaring that such a person "is forbidden to exist."

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli minister emphasized that a leader like Khamenei, who has consistently called for Israel's destruction, cannot be allowed to continue his regime. Katz stated that preventing Khamenei's existence is one of the primary objectives of ongoing operations.

The threat from Katz came shortly after a barrage of 20-30 Iranian missiles struck central Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon, as well as Soroka Hospital in Beersheba. Israeli authorities reported that more than 270 people were injured in these attacks. Iran's state news agency, IRNA, claimed that the missiles targeted Israeli army and intelligence headquarters near Soroka Hospital, causing injuries from the blast wave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also suggested the possibility of assassinating the Iranian supreme leader. When asked about Katz's comments, Netanyahu stated, "All options are available," and preferred not to elaborate further in the media. During his visit to Soroka Hospital, Netanyahu mentioned that President Donald Trump would decide on the United States' involvement in the conflict with Iran.

In an interview with KAN, Israel's national broadcasting authority, Netanyahu confirmed that he had instructed the military to not grant immunity to any Iranian figures. He also reiterated Israel's commitment to dismantling Iran's nuclear program and eliminating the ballistic missile threat. Netanyahu highlighted Israel's capability to target nuclear facilities without waiting for US approval but acknowledged the support of the Trump administration, noting, "They are helping us wonderfully in defense."

The recent escalation began when Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. In response, Tehran launched missile strikes against Israel, resulting in at least 25 Israeli fatalities and hundreds of injuries, according to Israeli authorities.