Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded to Iran’s retaliation, which saw missiles launched towards Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s conflict is not with the Iranian population but with its leadership, and he warned of more strikes against Iran in military and nuclear areas.
Addressing the Iranian people directly, Netanyahu urged them to rise up and make their voices heard. He stressed that Israel’s goal is to stop the nuclear and missile threat emanating from Iran. “As we achieve our goal, we are also paving the way for you to achieve your freedom,” he stated. Finally, Netanyahu called on the Iranian people to unite around their flag and history.
Details of Iran’s Retaliatory Attack and Israeli Response
Approximately 150 missiles were launched from Iran towards major Israeli cities in Tehran’s first retaliatory wave, which followed a “surgical strike” by the Israeli military that killed key commanders of the Revolutionary Guard and scientists involved in the country’s nuclear program.
According to Israeli media, the IDF has informed civilians that they can now leave their shelters as the Iranian attack has concluded. An Israeli military official told The New York Times that at least seven locations in and around Tel Aviv were hit by the Iranian missile attack this evening, though the extent of the damage was not specified.
Israel’s Minister of Defense, in his first reaction after Tehran’s counter-response, stated that “Iran has crossed the red line by daring to launch missiles at civilian population centers in Israel.” Yoav Gallant added, “We will continue to defend Israeli citizens and ensure that the Ayatollahs’ regime pays a very high price for its criminal actions.”
Iran’s Supreme Leader Vows “Destruction” and “No Mercy”
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, foreshadowed the retaliatory offensive against Israel in a post on platform ‘X’ this evening, shortly before the missile attack on Tel Aviv and Jerusalem began.
“The Zionist regime has made a big mistake, a serious mistake, and has committed a reckless act. With God’s help, the consequences of this action will lead that regime to destruction. The Iranian nation will not allow the blood of its valuable martyrs to remain unavenged, and will not ignore the violation of our airspace,” Khamenei stated.
The Iranian leader further added that his country’s Armed Forces are ready, and senior officials and the entire population are behind them. “Today, we must strongly respond to the evil, disgusting, and terrorist Zionist identity. With God’s help, we will respond forcefully and will show no mercy towards them. Life will surely become bitter for the Zionists. The Zionist regime will not escape safely from this terrible crime it has committed. This is certain: The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic will deliver severe blows against this evil Zionist enemy. The Iranian people are with us. They support the Armed Forces, and the Islamic Republic will triumph over the Zionist regime, by the will of God,” Khamenei continued.
Israel’s attack last night resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian commanders, including Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
