Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made global headlines after an explosive interview with ABC News, where he suggested that the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei could bring the Israel-Iran conflict to an end. “This won’t escalate the war,” he said. “It will end it.” When asked directly if Israel would target Khamenei, Netanyahu replied cryptically, “We are doing what we need to do.”
Massive Missile Barrage Sparks War
Since Friday, Iran has launched more than 370 missiles and hundreds of drones toward Israel. The result:
- 24 people dead
- Over 500 injured
In retaliation, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting Iran’s nuclear sites, missile systems, and military infrastructure.
Iran Hits Back With Ballistic Missiles
Iran responded aggressively, raining down ballistic missiles on major Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Petah Tikva. Explosions rocked city centers and filled the skies with smoke. Some missiles bypassed Israel’s Iron Dome, hitting residential buildings deep inside the country.
On-Ground Destruction and Casualties
Israeli emergency services are struggling to cope with the devastation. According to Magen David Adom (MDA):
- 5 killed (including 2 women) in central Israel
- 87 hospitalized
- Dozens still trapped in debris
In one shocking incident, MDA paramedics rescued a 4-day-old baby from a burning building in Petah Tikva.
Israel Says Citizens Being Deliberately Targeted
Police spokesperson Dean Elsdon stated, “It’s clear our civilians are being targeted. This is not isolated.” Multiple coastal and southern locations have been hit.
Summary of Key Casualty Data
| Incident Location | Deaths | Injuries | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Israel | 5 | 87 | Baby rescued, buildings destroyed |
| Iran (as per gov’t) | 24 | 1,277 | Intelligence chief killed |
| Iran (unofficial) | 400+ | Unknown | Includes 197 civilian deaths reported |
Iran Issues Warning of “More Powerful” Strikes
Following Israeli strikes on Iranian oil refineries and government buildings, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed that future attacks would be more “accurate, powerful, and destructive.”
Iranian Intelligence Chief Killed
Iran confirmed that one of its Revolutionary Guard’s intelligence leaders died in an Israeli airstrike. Though official casualty numbers suggest 24 deaths, independent groups claim the real figure is far higher.
Human Rights Groups Challenge Iran’s Death Toll
The Washington-based Human Rights Activists organization said Iran is underreporting its casualties. They estimate over 400 dead, including nearly 200 civilians.
Mossad Spy Executed in Iran
On Monday, Iranian state media reported the execution of Dr. Esmail Fekri, a physician accused of sharing classified intel with Israeli agency Mossad. He had been in custody since 2023.
Will Peace Talks Even Be Possible?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that if Israeli attacks stop, Iran will also cease its strikes. But with both sides deep in bloodshed, diplomatic resolution appears increasingly unlikely.
Read More: Can the Strait of Hormuz Survive the Heat? Iran Threatens to Choke the World’s Oil Lifeline
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