Moments after Israel President Benjamin Netanyahu accepted a Donald Trump-mediated ceasefire with Iran, his country’s Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed to attack Tel Aviv in the wake of the deadly attacks in some parts of Israel.
“I instructed the Israeli army to respond forcefully to Iran’s violation of the ceasefire by launching powerful strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a strongly worded statement.
The US-brokered ceasefire plan, unveiled by President Trump early Tuesday, called for a phased halt in hostilities—beginning with Iran at 4 am GMT, followed by Israel 12 hours later. Despite Tehran not formally confirming its acceptance, Iranian state media later acknowledged the halt in attacks, saying their final wave of missile strikes had concluded just before the ceasefire was due to begin.
⭕️”In light of the severe violation of the ceasefire carried out by the Iranian regime, we will respond with force.”
-The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir in a situational assessment now
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 24, 2025
Netanyahu Thanks Trump as B-2 Strikes Shift Power Balance
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for helping end what he called the “Iranian nuclear threat,” referring to the US airstrikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities over the weekend. The US deployed B-2 bombers equipped with bunker-buster bombs in what Trump called a “very successful attack.”
ALSO READ: Fragile ceasefire in place, Iran says no more missiles after deadly round of attack on Israel
The military escalation, which began on June 13 after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, spiraled into full-scale hostilities involving drone warfare, missile exchanges, and heavy casualties on both sides. Over the past week, the United States’ direct involvement significantly altered the course of the conflict.
Even as diplomatic channels worked to cement the truce, deadly strikes continued. A missile attack in Be’er Sheva killed seven civilians Tuesday morning—just hours after Trump announced the ceasefire was in motion.
Regional Tensions Simmer Despite Ceasefire
The situation remains volatile despite the ceasefire framework being technically in place. Israeli leadership has made it clear that any breach by Iran would be met with decisive military retaliation.
With deep-seated distrust and recent battlefield losses fresh in memory, observers warn that the ceasefire could be short-lived without consistent enforcement and diplomatic follow-through.
