Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran launched approximately 150 ballistic missiles at Israel in two barrages. The missiles fired on Friday night and early Saturday morning were in response to the Israeli airstrikes that rocked Iran overnight, eliminating some of its top military officials. The capital, Jerusalem, and the city of Tel Aviv were shaken by explosions. The fresh Iranian missile launch forced Israelis to flee to Northern Israel as Sirens sounded.
CNN reported that a woman was killed in Ramat Gan after a falling weapon fragment struck the Israeli city overnight. This marks the first fatality, which reportedly occurred in the Dan district, Israeli Police said. Meanwhile, addressing the Iranian people directly through a video message on X, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “Tonight, I want to speak to you, the esteemed people of Iran. We are in the midst of one of the largest military operations in history – Operation Dawn of the Lions. The Islamic regime that has oppressed you for almost 50 years threatens to destroy our country – Israel. The goal of Israel’s operation is to prevent the Islamic regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats. While we achieve our goal, we also pave the way for you to achieve your freedom.”
امشب، میخواهم با شما، مردم محترم ایران، صحبت کنم.
ما در میانه یکی از بزرگترین عملیاتهای نظامی در تاریخ، هستیم – عملیات طلوع شیران.
رژیم اسلامی که تقریباً ۵۰ سال شما را سرکوب کرده، تهدید به نابودی کشور ما- اسرائیل میکند.---Advertisement---هدف عملیات اسرائیل جلوگیری از تهدید هستهای و موشکی… pic.twitter.com/sS5cXgJExi
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 13, 2025
In a strong-worded statement, Netanyahu stated, “In the past 24 hours, we have destroyed senior military commanders, prominent nuclear scientists, the Islamic regime’s most important enrichment facility, and a large part of its ballistic missile arsenal. Another operation is underway.” He added, “The regime does not know what power has hit them or what power will hit them. This regime has never been so weak. This is your opportunity to stand up and make your voice heard.”
Reassuring the people of Iran, the Israeli PM said, “As I said yesterday and many times before, Israel’s struggle is not against the Iranian people. Our struggle is against the murderous Islamic regime that oppresses and impoverishes you. He called on the ‘brave’ Iranian citizens to unite around their flag and historical heritage and fight for their freedom.
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