Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said that Israel is capable of striking all of Iran’s nuclear sites and warned that “no one is immune” from Israeli retaliation, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
As the Israel-Iran war entered its seventh day, Netanyahu claimed that Israel had already destroyed “more than half” of Iran’s missile launchers and reiterated his country’s determination to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program under Operation Rising Lion.
“We are changing the face of the Middle East. No — we are changing the face of the world,” Netanyahu said during a visit to the missile-hit Soroka Medical Centre in Beersheba.
He further stated, “We will accept all help, but we can do it ourselves,” regarding international assistance, adding that President Donald Trump will “do what is good for the United States,” while Israel will act in its own interest.
In response to Iranian missiles that struck Tel Aviv and a hospital in southern Israel — injuring over 240 people, including medical staff and patients — Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
At least 639 Iranians, including 263 civilians, have died since the conflict began last Friday, according to a Washington-based human rights group. Iran has retaliated with hundreds of missiles and drone attacks, killing at least 24 Israelis and wounding hundreds.
Netanyahu emphasized the contrast between the two nations’ military conduct, claiming Israel targets strategic threats, while Iran targets civilians.
“They fire at hospitals. We fire at missile sites,” he stated. “That’s the difference between a democracy and a regime of murderers.”
Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz both signaled that Khamenei may be targeted in this operation. Katz directly referred to him as “the modern Hitler”, arguing that eliminating him could be a necessary outcome of the war.
“He [Khamenei] uses all his resources for this cause. Preventing his existence is one of the goals,” Katz said while inspecting damage in Holon.
Netanyahu avoided making explicit threats, but said, “I gave instructions that no one is immune.”
Netanyahu made it clear that while he welcomes American support, Israel is prepared to act alone if necessary.
“At the end of this operation, there will be no nuclear threat on Israel — and no ballistic threat either,” he asserted.
Trump has not publicly committed to joining Israel’s campaign, and Netanyahu noted, “He knows the game.”
Israel’s operation began last week with surprise airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets. Iran responded with over 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones in what has become the most intense military escalation between the two nations in recent history.
The situation remains volatile, with the international community urging de-escalation, while leaders on both sides appear committed to continuing the fight.
