Background on Key Players and Context
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran escalated dramatically when Israel launched a large-scale attack against Iran on Friday. The declared objective is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, marking the first time both countries have engaged in such intense military confrontation after decades of indirect warfare.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, has stated that the goal is to target “all installations and objectives of the regime” in Iran. Meanwhile, Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Javad Zarif, claims to have evidence of US support for Israel’s attacks.
Conflict Developments
- Israeli Attacks: Israel has conducted attacks on military installations and fuel depots within Iran, resulting in the death of 13 people (including 10 civilians) and over 200 injuries in Israel since Friday.
- Iranian Response: Iran has retaliated with missile attacks, causing at least 128 deaths (including women and children) and around 900 injuries, according to Iran’s Health Ministry.
- Key Targets: Israeli attacks have targeted nuclear energy-related facilities and fuel storage depots in Iran. On Sunday, there were reports of new explosions, including at Tehran’s police headquarters in the city center.
Impact on Civilians
In Israel, residents in several cities, including Bat Yam south of Tel Aviv, have experienced significant damage from Iranian attacks. Evgenia Doudka and Julia Zilbergoltz, residents of Bat Yam, described their apartments being destroyed and the overwhelming stress from the situation.
As of now, 13 people have lost their lives and 380 others have been injured in Israel due to the conflict.
“No Queda Nada”
Netanyahu visited Bat Yam and warned that Iran “will pay a very high price” for the deliberate killing of civilians, women, and children. Israel claims to have intercepted most of the Iranian missiles and drones, with assistance from the United States.
The large-scale aerial campaign against Iran has resulted in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian regime officials, including the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Army, Mohammad Bagheri, along with nine nuclear program scientists.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main cause of the conflict? The primary reason for this escalation is Israel’s attempt to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which both countries have been accusing each other of pursuing for years.
- Who is supporting whom in this conflict? Israel claims to have US support, while Iran’s Foreign Minister, Javad Zarif, asserts that there is evidence of US involvement in Israel’s attacks.
- What are the key targets of the attacks? Israel has targeted nuclear energy-related facilities, fuel storage depots, and Iran’s air defense systems. Meanwhile, Iran has retaliated with attacks on civilian areas in Israel.
