Hours after an Iranian missile slammed into Soroka Medical Center one of southern Israel’s largest hospitals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived on the scene alongside the Minister of Health and the Mayor of Beersheba to offer support to victims and deliver a chilling warning to Iran.
The Prime Minister’s remarks, broadcast live on national television, signaled a sharp escalation in tone following the Iranian missile barrage that wounded over 240 civilians and targeted both medical and residential infrastructure in Israel.
“We Will Exact the Full Price” – Netanyahu Warns Iran
Speaking outside the charred remains of the hospital’s emergency ward, Netanyahu did not mince words.
“Iran has committed an unthinkable war crime. Targeting a hospital filled with patients, doctors, and children this cannot go unanswered. We will exact the full price. We will destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities. Their aggression will be met with overwhelming force.”
His remarks came just hours after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched precision airstrikes on Tehran, including what the military described as a Special Forces command facility used by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Visit to the Wounded and Medical Staff
Flanked by Health Minister Yaakov Cohen and Beersheba Mayor Ruvik Danilovich, the Prime Minister toured the emergency triage unit where dozens of victims were being treated.
One of the nurses, Yael Mizrahi, who was present when the missile hit, described the horror:
“We were in the middle of surgery. The ground shook. Then we heard screaming. But we didn’t stop. We kept working.”
Netanyahu praised the medical staff as “heroes on the frontlines of our homeland’s defense,” and pledged additional funding to reinforce hospital infrastructure in high-risk zones.
Message to the Iranian Regime and Global Allies
In his address, Netanyahu issued a direct warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying:
“You thought Israel would crumble. You thought we would hide. Instead, we strike back. You will regret touching Israeli civilians.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned ongoing communication with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has reemerged as a vocal supporter of Israel in recent weeks.
“President Trump stands with us. He understands the Iranian threat, and we’re in close contact.”
Sources in the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Netanyahu and Trump spoke via secure call early Friday morning, discussing regional coordination and military options.
Growing Support and National Unity
While visiting Soroka, Netanyahu was greeted by applause from survivors and medical staff. Outside the hospital gates, hundreds of residents held Israeli flags and sang songs of resilience, including “Hatikvah,” Israel’s national anthem.
Despite public anxiety, the tone was one of determination.
“He came to see us. That matters,” said Alon Tzur, whose wife was recovering from shrapnel wounds in the ICU. “Now let’s hope he backs his words with real action.”
Global Reaction
The United States, United Kingdom, and several European leaders condemned Iran’s missile strike on Soroka hospital, calling it a clear violation of international law. The UN Security Council is expected to meet in emergency session within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, Iranian officials have claimed that the hospital strike was “unintentional” and that Israel’s own air defense miscalculations may have contributed to the destruction a claim dismissed outright by Israeli military analysts.
Tensions Escalate Across the Middle East
As both Iran and Israel engage in tit-for-tat military exchanges, analysts fear that the region is on the brink of a larger, multi-front war involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, pro-Iranian militias in Syria, and potentially Hamas in Gaza.
Israel remains on high alert, and emergency mobilization of IDF reservists is underway.
