Tensions escalated dramatically on Tuesday after Iran fired two ballistic missiles at northern Israel, breaking a fragile US-brokered ceasefire just hours after it came into effect. The missiles were intercepted, with no casualties or damage reported, but the violation has triggered strong calls for retaliation across Israel's political spectrum.
Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed he has instructed the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to "respond forcefully" to Iran's actions. "The IDF will carry out intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran," Katz stated following security consultations with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Lawmakers Demand Strong Response
Israeli lawmakers swiftly condemned the Iranian provocation, with far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the prime minister's security cabinet, tweeting: "Tehran will tremble." This signals support for a robust military response from the government.
Limor Son Har-Melech, a lawmaker from the Otzma Yehudit party, posted cryptically: "Quiet will be answered with quiet, missiles will be answered with...?" hinting at potential escalation.
Opposition leader and Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman emphasized that Iran's strike, occurring just three and a half hours after the US president announced a ceasefire, must not go unanswered. "We must not absorb it, we must not ignore it, we have to respond immediately," he stated.
Likud lawmakers also joined the chorus calling for a strong reaction. MK Tali Gotliv declared that "any violation of the ceasefire will be met with an appropriate response," while her colleague Avichai Boaron urged the government to strike Iran "with full force, targeting the very symbols of the regime."
Ceasefire Breakdown
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar and announced earlier Tuesday by US President Donald Trump, had been hailed as a major diplomatic breakthrough following days of deadly exchanges between Iran and Israel. Trump had urged both sides to uphold the truce, writing on Truth Social: "The ceasefire is now in effect. Please do not violate it!"
As of the time of reporting, Iran has yet to comment on the missile launch that violated the agreement.
The situation remains fluid as international observers watch closely for Israel's promised retaliation and any further escalation in this volatile region.
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