Statement from Israeli President Herzog: 'A very difficult morning'

Tensions in the Middle East are rising with every passing hour. Iran launched a large-scale missile attack on Israel late last night. Deploying hypersonic missile technology in this conflict for the first time, Iran breached Israel's air defense systems, causing widespread destruction in many locations. In the explosions that occurred in several cities, most notably Tel Aviv, 10 people lost their lives and 208 were injured. Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in a statement following the attacks, used the words, "It is a very sad and difficult morning."

BLOODY CONFLICT ON ITS THIRD DAY

The war has entered its third day with Iran's retaliatory strikes, which were a response to the "Rising Lion" operation launched by Israel on June 13. In the attacks carried out by Israel, 78 people, including Iranian Chief of General Staff Mohammad Bagheri and Revolutionary Guards Commander Hossein Salami, had lost their lives, and 320 civilians had been injured. In response to these attacks, Iran activated an operation called "True Promise 3" last night.

MISSILES BREACHED THE IRON DOME

Iran carried out the attack with hundreds of ballistic missiles as well as a large number of UAVs. While large-scale explosions occurred in Tel Aviv, 3 people lost their lives in the city of Bat Yam. Many people were also injured in Rehovot. It was reported that Israel's air defense system, the "Iron Dome," was insufficient to stop some of the missiles and that some rockets detonated upon direct impact.

HERZOG'S ADDRESS TO THE NATION

Israeli President Herzog announced the toll of the attack in a post on the social media platform X. Herzog stated that "10 Israelis lost their lives and 208 people were injured" in the missile attacks carried out by Iran. Saying, "It is a very sad and difficult morning. Last night, our brothers and sisters were killed and injured in Iran's attacks targeting civilians in Bat Yam, Tamra, and other cities," Herzog also added, "I pray to God to grant a speedy recovery to the injured and for the safe return of those lost. We share the same pain; we will overcome this challenge together." Herzog also stated that he had spoken with the mayors of Tamra and Bat Yam to convey his condolences and that they would provide all necessary support to the affected communities.

WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

In recent days, Israel had carried out intense bombardment targeting the Iranian capital Tehran, as well as the cities of Tabriz, Isfahan—including the Natanz nuclear facility—as well as Lorestan, Kermanshah, Shiraz, Khuzestan, Hamadan, and Qom. In these attacks, the Iranian Chief of General Staff, Revolutionary Guards commanders, and 6 nuclear scientists had lost their lives. At the same time, a large number of civilians had also been targeted by the attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had announced that the attacks on Iran would continue, and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz had announced that a state of emergency had been declared across the country. More than 200 fighter jets and a large number of unmanned aerial vehicles had taken part in the operation.

Iran's retaliatory strikes in response began last night. It was announced that 3 people lost their lives and 172 people were injured in the attacks. It was stated that the health condition of most of the injured is good.

News Source: 12punto