At least 10 people were killed and more than 200 injured in missile strikes by Iran on Israel, with attacks targeting residential areas like Bat Yam, where 35 people are missing. Israeli President Isaac Herzog condemned the strike as a “criminal assault,” calling it a tragic and difficult morning. The attack follows Israeli strikes on Iran that killed 78, including six scientists. Iran has continued its retaliation with high-speed missile attacks across multiple Israeli cities.

The Israeli military has confirmed that a soldier was killed during fighting in southern Gaza. The deceased, 21-year-old Sergeant Noam Shemesh, was a squad commander in the Shimshon Battalion of the Kfir Brigade. Initial reports suggest he was killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack in Khan Younis. In a separate incident, four Israelis were killed in an Iranian attack on Saturday night.

In a video message directed at the Iranian people, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that Israel’s ongoing military operation in Iran is not against the public but against the oppressive regime that has ruled for decades. “It’s time to bring down the cruel leadership that has burdened you for years,” he said. Netanyahu urged Iranians to unite for freedom and resist the regime. He emphasized that the operation is focused on neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile threats.

As Iran launched a series of missile strikes targeting Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities on Friday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz took refuge in a secure bunker along with top military and government officials. According to The Times of Israel, Netanyahu and his senior ministers held urgent discussions on how to respond to Iran’s missile barrage.

Israel launched a major operation inside Iran, named ‘Operation Rising Lion,’ early Friday morning. Reports indicate that Mossad operatives, already stationed inside Iran, launched simultaneous strikes on key targets in Tehran in coordination with the Israeli Air Force. According to Axios, Mossad had been planning the operation for eight months. Daily Mail reports claim Mossad deployed commando teams within Iran weeks in advance. The pre-planned operation reportedly destroyed Iran’s air defense systems, radars, and missile launchers within minutes.

A fake letter claiming that BNP leader Hasan Mamun has been expelled from all party positions has been circulating on Facebook. BNP’s Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi clarified that the letter is fabricated. Hasan Mamun himself confirmed that the letter was edited to spread misinformation. He urged party members not to fall for such rumors.

Fears of an imminent Iranian retaliation following the recent Israeli strikes on nuclear and military sites in Tehran have triggered panic buying in Jerusalem. Supermarkets are quickly running out of food and water as residents scramble to stockpile supplies.

At around 3 a.m. Friday, sirens and mobile alerts jolted Israelis from their sleep, warning of a ‘serious threat’ and advising everyone to stay close to shelters. Emergency services have intensified nationwide blood donation drives, and hospitals are discharging patients who are well enough to go home to free up space for potential casualties.

In the aftermath of its multi-phase assault on Iran, Israel is preparing for a full-scale war, deploying over 10,000 troops along its borders. The operation, named “Rising Lion,” targeted several strategic Iranian locations. IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi declared that the military had been preparing extensively to counter imminent threats. Though confident in the military’s readiness, he warned of possible Iranian retaliation. Meanwhile, Iran has promised a severe response to the Israeli attacks, especially those targeting its nuclear facilities, vowing that the aggression will not go unanswered.

Israel has declared a state of emergency immediately after launching an airstrike on Iran, anticipating potential retaliation. Defense Minister Israel Katz made the announcement, warning that Iran could launch a counterattack on Israeli soil at any moment. The strike occurred while most Israelis were asleep. According to a BBC correspondent in Jerusalem, residents were jolted awake by loud sirens and emergency alerts on their phones, signaling the high tension and preparedness across the country in response to possible Iranian retaliation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government has successfully resisted an opposition-backed motion to dissolve the Knesset. In a preliminary vote held on Thursday, 61 members of the 120-seat parliament voted against the proposal, while 53 voted in favor. The push for dissolution stemmed from ongoing tensions surrounding military exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminary students. While some religious parties within the ruling coalition are demanding exemptions, several lawmakers are calling for an end to such privileges altogether.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that 123 Palestinians were killed and 474 injured in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours. Since October 7, 2023, more than 55,000 Palestinians have died and over 127,000 injured due to continued Israeli aggression. Many bodies remain trapped under rubble as rescue efforts are hindered. The ongoing humanitarian crisis worsens under a 20-month blockade, with shortages of healthcare, water, electricity, and food. International courts have issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders for war crimes in Gaza.

Israel’s ongoing 20-month military operation in Gaza has led to a severe soldier shortage, pushing women into critical frontline positions. Previously limited to border and checkpoint duties, female soldiers are now deployed in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. The Israeli army admits a deficit of over 10,000 troops, worsened by many reservists suffering mental trauma. To address the crisis, the government is also conscripting Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men after the Supreme Court revoked their exemption, aiming to strengthen military ranks.

Forty-one Israeli soldiers from intelligence and cyber warfare units have resigned from the military, refusing to take part in what they call the genocidal attacks on Gaza led by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s fight for political survival. They emphasized that the ongoing violence is not about security or rescuing hostages but maintaining political power. Israeli authorities report 56 hostages trapped in Gaza, with 20 believed alive. Human rights groups say over 10,100 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israeli jails.

The Israeli military has reported intercepting a missile launched from Yemen, hours after Israeli forces conducted a naval strike on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in the Red Sea. The attack is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict, with the Iran-backed Houthi rebels declaring solidarity with Gaza through their assaults on Israeli targets. Israel has warned that continued attacks by the Houthis could prompt the imposition of naval and aerial blockades against Yemen.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has departed Israel on a flight bound for France after being detained from a humanitarian aid ship. However, at least five other rights activists arrested alongside her have refused to leave Israel voluntarily, according to Israeli authorities.
France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed on Tuesday that the activists refused voluntary deportation after their arrest from the vessel Madlen. Israeli authorities stated that those unwilling to sign deportation documents would be presented before a judicial authority for forced removal.