Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Soroka hospital in Beersheba after an Iranian ballistic missile strike, describing the attack as “a criminal regime’s war against civilians.” He hinted at regime change in Iran, citing ancient debt to Cyrus the Great. Netanyahu claimed that Israeli bombs could help liberate the Persian people, echoing a 2,500-year-old story of liberation from Babylonian captivity.
Netanyahu visited the hospital amidst an air of confidence after two wars and over 55,000 deaths since October last year. His visit came as Iranian leaders were accused of targeting civilians, with Netanyahu suggesting that Iran’s actions would represent paying “millennia-old dues” to the Jewish people.
International experts raised questions about Netanyahu’s claims, highlighting the need for clear distinctions between military targets and civilian areas. They pointed out that hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law, which sets a high bar for infringement. The Iranian foreign minister disputed Netanyahu’s claims, saying the hospital suffered only “superficial” damage from the blast wave.
Netanyahu also praised Donald Trump as a potential ally in achieving regime change in Iran, stating that he is a “tremendous friend and world leader.” The Israeli premier has been criticized for his handling of hospitals and clinics in Gaza, where Palestinians are under siege conditions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/19/time-for-jews-to-repay-ancient-debt-to-cyrus-the-great-liberate-iran-says-netanyahu