Chief Rabbi Mirvis: Israel Faces Existential Threat Amid Regional Tensions

An Iranian missile struck the Soroka Medical Center in Be'er Sheva, southern Israel, early on Thursday, injuring more than 30 individuals. The attack is part of an ongoing military conflict between Israel and Iran, which entered its seventh day, according to Israeli officials. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel shared videos depicting widespread destruction within the hospital, including shattered windows, smoke-filled corridors, and debris scattered around the facility. "The Iranian regime targeted Soroka Hospital... a hospital. This is a civilian target," Haskel stated, condemning the strike. While Iranian media claimed that the missile aimed for a military site near the hospital, Israeli authorities asserted that the strike intentionally targeted civilians at the medical facility. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to retaliate against those responsible, stating, “We will exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran." The escalating violence continues to raise concerns in the region, with reports mentioning that Israel has targeted sites near Iran's Khondab nuclear facility as part of its counterattacks.

Israel's Mossad intelligence agency has reportedly established a secret drone base near Tehran as part of a covert campaign targeting Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure, according to a senior Israeli security official cited by The Times of Israel. The operation, which involved the Israel Defence Forces, included smuggling precision weapons and elite commandos into Iranian territory. Mossad activated drones to strike surface-to-surface missile launchers aimed at Israel, while commandos deployed precision-guided missiles near Iranian anti-aircraft sites. The operation effectively disabled Iran's air defense systems, allowing Israeli aircraft to achieve air superiority, officials stated. Furthermore, a series of covert sabotage missions targeting Iranian air defense and long-range missile facilities were conducted. These strikes mark a significant escalation in the longstanding Israel-Iran conflict, with Israel conducting widespread airstrikes against dozens of strategic sites linked to Iran's military and nuclear programs, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. In response, Iran declared a national state of emergency as Israel braces for potential retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Iran of attempting to assassinate former U.S. President Donald Trump on two occasions, branding him “enemy number one” due to his strong opposition to Iran’s nuclear program. "They want to kill him," Netanyahu stated during an interview with Fox News, emphasizing Trump’s role in dismantling the Iran nuclear deal and authorizing the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Netanyahu shared that he himself had been targeted by Iran, recounting a missile strike on his home. He characterized the current situation with Iran as an urgent existential threat, highlighting the country’s efforts to accelerate its ballistic missile development and uranium enrichment for nuclear weapons. "We were facing an imminent threat," he explained. In light of these developments, Netanyahu dismissed the possibility of diplomatic negotiations with Iran, insisting that military action is necessary to mitigate the Iranian threat. He also expressed solidarity with the United States, stating, “Our enemy is your enemy,” and underscored Israel’s commitment to protecting not only its own security but the stability of the broader world.