JNS
The Israeli prime minister vows a harsh response after civilians killed, urging Israelis to heed Home Front Command instructions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday visited the scene of a deadly Iranian missile on Bat Yam overnight Saturday, vowing that Iran would face severe consequences for its actions.
Standing alongside members of the Israeli military's Home Front Command and emergency responders, Netanyahu expressed condolences on behalf of the nation. “Our hearts are with the families,” he said.
Six people were killed when an apartment building in the city just south of Tel Aviv, sustained a direct hit. A 4-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy are among the dead.
Rescue efforts are ongoing at the scene, where three people remained unaccounted for after four of the missing were found at hospitals. At least 180 others were wounded in the strike.
The prime minister emphasized the importance of following Home Front Command guidelines, noting that “those who listened and took shelter were saved. Sadly, those who did not were harmed.”
"We are here because we are in an existential battle, which today is understood by every citizen of Israel. Think about what would happen if Iran had a nuclear weapon to drop on Israeli cities. Think about what would happen if Iran had 20,000 such missiles. Not one—20,000. An existential threat to Israel," said Netanyahu.
"That is why we launched a rescue war against a double annihilation threat, and we are doing this with force. Our soldiers, our pilots are above the skies of Iran. Iran will pay a very heavy price for the deliberate murder of civilians, women and children. We will achieve our objectives and also deal them a powerful blow. They will feel the strength of our arm," the premier continued.
The prime minister was joined at the site by the defense minister, energy minister, police commissioner, fire and rescue chief, Bat Yam’s mayor and the chairman of the local government association.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also visited the aftermath of the missile strike in Bat Yam on Sunday, accompanied by First Lady Michal Herzog.
The president addressed reporters at the site, condemning the attack and warning of the broader threat posed by Iran.
“Civilians of all ages, all backgrounds—Jews and Muslims, young and old, veteran Israelis and new immigrants, Holocaust survivors and toddlers, were unfortunately, and so sadly, killed by a horrendous Iranian attack against our cities," the president said.
“Iran has decided that they are attacking civilians, no matter where, and no matter what. And we, of course, will continue to defend ourselves," he continued.
“Our aim is to change the reality in the Middle East. It cannot be that the empire of evil will continue to attack and attack, send its proxies and its terror, its missiles, and of course, develop nuclear capability, which is the most dangerous capability for humanity.
"So we are defending not only Israel, but the Middle East, humanity itself, world peace, and I call upon the leaders of the G7 who will convene tomorrow in Canada: They should all be with us, because if you want to get the nukes out, better work together, with us, and make sure that Iran does not reach its capability—and that our region can move to peace and dialogue and coexistence and rapprochement."
