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Escalation Between Israel and Iran: Dozens Killed in Exchange of Bombings
The series of mutual attacks continues between Israel and Iran following the Israeli military strikes on Iranian nuclear and military facilities last Friday dawn, as tensions in the region intensify.
In a recent development, Israeli forces announced that their systems intercepted several aerial drones over the past few hours heading toward the occupied territories. The army stated in an official statement that air and naval forces intercepted seven drones launched from Iranian territory toward Israel during the past hour, confirming ongoing escalation.
In a related context, the Israeli military confirmed that the Israeli Air Force conducted an additional wave of military operations in recent hours, targeting missile storage and launch sites in western Iran. The army’s statement read: “The Air Force completed another wave of attacks in western Iran on infrastructure related to missile storage and launching.”
At night, Israeli forces carried out attacks on missile launch pads in Iranian areas. The statement affirmed that the wave of attacks in the western region against missile sites has been completed, aiming to weaken the Iranian regime’s capabilities in this field.
On the ground in Israel, the death toll from yesterday’s attacks targeting the Beit Yam area south of Tel Aviv increased to 7, with another 7 still missing as search operations continue under the rubble. According to the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper, the total Israeli casualties since the Iranian attack began two days ago have reached 16 killed and about 250 injured, amid ongoing military operations and deteriorating security conditions.
Regarding military assessments, the commander of the Israeli army’s Home Front Command, Rafi Milo, visited the bombing site in Beit Yam, where he stated that “the coming days will witness significant and complex challenges.” He added, “Last night was very difficult with missiles hitting buildings directly, and search operations are still ongoing for the 7 missing persons under the rubble.” He urged citizens to follow instructions and take shelter in bomb shelters after hearing sirens.
In another security development, the Israeli Broadcasting Authority (Kan) reported the arrest of two Israelis suspected of espionage with Iran amid ongoing investigations into security procedures.
Meanwhile, Iranian media reported that “a third wave of missile and drone operations conducted by the Revolutionary Guards has begun, targeting sites within areas under Israeli control.” According to the Iranian Tasnim Agency, these attacks targeted the cities of Tel Aviv, Ashdod, and Beit Yame in the south of Tel Aviv, indicating an escalation in military operations.
In another development, Reuters quoted Iranian media stating that fuel production and supply at Tehran Oil Refinery continue as normal despite a fire that broke out Saturday night in a tank not connected to the refinery after an Israeli raid. This fire did not significantly disrupt refining operations. The Iranian Mehr News Agency reported that control was regained over the oil depot fire in the cities of Shahraban and southern Tehran, and that the black smoke resulting from the burning of petroleum products is expected to continue until the fuel is exhausted, which is not a cause for concern.
