Benjamin Netanyahu tops Iran's list of 'Israeli terrorists' it wants to execute

In a major escalation of tensions, Iranian Ministry of Intelligence has reportedly issued a threat in Hebrew according to which it will soon eliminate the heads of the security establishment in Israel and the Prime Minister. 

The latest threat from Iran follows its launch of a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel. On Tuesday, Iran fired at least 180 missiles into Israel, claiming it was in retaliation for recent Israeli strikes against Hezbollah. The strikes came after Hezbollah had been launching rockets into Israel since the Gaza conflict began.

As air raid sirens blared across Israel, residents rushed to bomb shelters while missiles illuminated the night sky. The Israeli military reported intercepting many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some managed to land in central and southern Israel. Two people suffered minor injuries from shrapnel.

Missiles also struck the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where one killed a Palestinian worker from Gaza, stranded there since the war's outbreak.

In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Iran had "made a big mistake" and vowed that Tehran would "pay for it." The United States also warned of "severe consequences."

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened further retaliation, promising a "crushing attack" if Israel responded militarily and cautioning against any direct military intervention on Israel’s behalf.

The growing tit-for-tat exchanges have heightened fears of a broader conflict, as both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran. Each escalation brings the risk of a wider war in the Middle East, potentially involving Iran and the United States, which has already sent military assets to support Israel.

Iran justified its missile strikes as retaliation for the recent killings of key figures from Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Iranian military. Among those killed were Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan, both targeted in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. The missile barrage also followed the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, which Iran attributed to Israel.

Khamenei blames Western powers

In his first speech following Iran’s missile strike on Israel, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei postponed an in-depth discussion on regional issues, stating, "I will address matters concerning Gaza and Lebanon soon." He emphasized, "The true cause of the region’s instability is the presence of powers like the United States and certain European nations, who falsely present themselves as advocates of peace and stability."

Khamenei also reflected on the loss of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, calling it "a significant event," but stressed that this grief should be a catalyst for progress. These comments were made on Wednesday during a meeting with top-performing university entrance exam students.

Agencies