Israeli PM Netanyahu's 'personal loss' remark sparks outrage amid war with Iran

Iran on Thursday fired missiles and drones at Israel after hitting Israel's Soroka Hospital overnight.

Updated on: Jun 20, 2025, 13:43:59 IST

By HT News Desk

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Amid the heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 'personal loss for family' remarks over his son's wedding have sparked widespread criticism.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits the Soroka hospital complex, after it was hit by a missile fired from Iran. (REUTERS)

The remark, which was made outside Soroka Hospital in Be'er Sheva after an Iranian missile hit it, is being called out of touch by many Israelis.

While speaking to the media after the hospital strike, Netanyahu tried to draw a parallel between Israel's current crisis and Britain's resilience during the WWII Blitz. "We are going through a Blitz," he said, invoking the wartime spirit of endurance.

Track Israel-Iran war live updates here

Then he went on to see that his son Avner's wedding had to be delayed for a second time due to missile and rocket concerns amid conflict with Iran.

Netanyahu further described the situation as painful for both his son's fiancée and his wife, Sara, whom he called "a hero" for enduring the disappointment.

Also Read | Israel can strike all of Iran's nuclear sites, but ‘all help is welcome’: Benjamin Netanyahu

"There are people who were killed, families who grieved loved ones, I really appreciate that," Netanyahu said. "Each of us bears a personal cost, and my family has not been exempt."

Soroka hospital strike

Israel bombed nuclear targets in Iran on Thursday while Iran fired missiles and drones at Israel after hitting Israel's Soroka Hospital overnight.

The strike in the southern city of Beersheba caused extensive damage to the hospital's entrance hall and several departments, including the ophthalmology unit on the third floor of the surgical building.

Also Read | What is Fordow nuclear facility? Iran touts that all nuclear material is ‘in a safe place’

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz blamed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for Thursday's barrage and said the military "has been instructed and knows that in order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”

Meanwhile, the White House said US President Donald Trump will make a decision within the next two weeks whether to get involved on Israel's side.

Israel-Iran conflict: Tehran backs negotitaition

Israel and Iran's air war entered a second week on Friday, and European officials sought to draw Tehran back to the negotiating table after President Donald Trump said any decision on potential US involvement would be made within two weeks.

Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying it aimed to prevent its longtime enemy from developing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. It says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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