Netanyahu vows “very heavy price” for Iran following deadly missile attacks that killed Israeli civilians, as the region teeters on the brink of all-out war.
At a Glance
- Iranian missile strikes on Israeli civilian areas killed at least 10 people, including in Bat Yam near Tel Aviv
- Netanyahu warns Iran will face “overwhelming force” for deliberately targeting civilians
- Israel has launched counterstrikes against Iranian defense facilities and nuclear program sites
- Iran’s President Pezeshkian threatened “more decisive and severe” response if Israeli operations continue
- Both nations report dozens of casualties as regional conflict escalates to dangerous levels
Netanyahu’s Stern Warning Amid Civilian Casualties
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued an unambiguous warning to Iran following deadly missile strikes that killed Israeli civilians. The attacks, which breached Israeli defense systems, resulted in six deaths at a Bat Yam apartment building near Tel Aviv and four additional fatalities in the northern Arab town of Tamra. After visiting the missile strike site in Bat Yam, Netanyahu condemned Iran’s targeting of civilians and promised swift retribution for the deliberate attacks on residential areas.
“Iran will pay a very heavy price for the murder of civilians — women, children — that it carried out deliberately. We will achieve our objectives, and we will strike them with overwhelming force,” declared Netanyahu following the deadly attacks that have intensified the already volatile situation in the Middle East.
Existential Battle for Israel’s Security
The Israeli leader framed the current conflict as an existential struggle for Israel’s survival, highlighting the particular threat posed by Iran’s military capabilities. Netanyahu referenced the danger of Iran potentially obtaining nuclear weapons, emphasizing what he believes would be catastrophic consequences for Israel’s security.
Israeli forces are actively engaged in operations over Iran, targeting defense ministry facilities, fuel depots, and sites linked to Iran’s nuclear program in what appears to be a comprehensive military campaign.
“We are here because we are in an existential battle — one that is now clear to every citizen of Israel. Think about what would happen if Iran had a nuclear weapon to drop on Israel’s cities.”, stated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The death toll continues to rise, with at least 10 Israelis killed in the recent Iranian strikes. Iranian officials report their country has suffered 78 deaths and more than 320 injuries from Israeli attacks. Among the Iranian casualties are reportedly several top military commanders and nuclear scientists, indicating Israel’s targeted approach in its counterstrikes against strategic personnel and facilities.
Escalating Tensions and International Concerns
Iran’s response has been equally defiant, with President Masoud Pezeshkian threatening a “more decisive and severe” response if Israeli operations continue. Iranian authorities have prepared mosques, metro stations, and schools as civilian shelters, indicating their expectation of continued conflict. “Mosques are among the shelters available to the public, and the metro stations will be prepared tonight to open for use,” stated Fatemeh Mohajerani, highlighting Iranian preparations for potential further attacks.
The United States has maintained its position that it was not involved in Israel’s campaign against Iran, though Iran has accused America of supporting the Israeli operations. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened military action if Iran attacks American interests in the region, adding another layer of complexity to the rapidly evolving situation. Netanyahu has urged Israeli citizens to follow safety instructions during missile attacks as the country braces for potential further escalation in what has become the most direct confrontation between Israel and Iran in decades.