Jerusalem: Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated dramatically following a deadly missile strike by Iran on Israeli cities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, visiting the affected city of Bat Yam near Tel Aviv, issued a stern warning, stating that Iran will pay a heavy price for targeting Israeli civilians.
The Iranian missile barrage resulted in seven deaths and left dozens injured, intensifying regional fears of a prolonged conflict. Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act of violence against innocent women and children, and vowed a powerful response.
“These strikes are not just attacks on our cities, they are attacks on our very existence,” Netanyahu said. “If Iran had nuclear weapons or tens of thousands of missiles, the destruction would be unimaginable. This is why we have launched a liberation campaign to stop this threat at its roots.”
The Israeli military had earlier launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iranian nuclear, missile, and military facilities. Iran responded with direct strikes, including missiles that hit buildings in central Israel. Additional fatalities were reported from the Arab-majority town of Tamra, pushing the death toll to 14 since the operation began.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Brigadier General Effi Dafrin confirmed that the Israeli Air Force continues to strike dozens of strategic Iranian targets, especially those connected to the country’s nuclear ambitions. He warned that more ballistic missile attacks from Iran are expected in the coming days and urged the public to follow safety protocols issued by the Home Front Command.
An official IDF statement emphasized that while Iran aims at civilian populations, Israel seeks to avoid civilian casualties. “We warn innocent civilians in Persian, through multiple channels, before targeting locations,” the IDF noted. “This is what separates us from our enemies—our commitment to human life.”
As the situation develops, both regional and global observers remain on high alert, concerned about further escalation and its impact on Middle East stability.
