Tel Aviv [Israel], June 13 (ANI): Israel began a preemptive strike against Iran on Friday, according to Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, as reported by The Times of Israel. Katz declared a state of emergency across the country due to Israel’s military action.
“Following the State of Israel’s preemptive strike against Iran, a missile and drone attack against the State of Israel and its civilian population is expected in the immediate future,” Katz stated.
He added that he had signed “a special order, according to which a special state of emergency will be imposed in the home front throughout the entire State of Israel.”
“You must obey the instructions of the Home Front Command and the authorities and remain in the protected areas,” he urged.
Sirens wailed across Israel as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his security cabinet in response to the strikes.
According to The Times of Israel, the IDF Home Front Command clarified that the sirens were a precautionary signal, indicating that Israel is entering “a new situation.” Tzvika Tessler from the Home Front Command stated that there had been no attacks launched at Israel at that time.
Tessler warned that in the coming hours, Israel could face “a significant attack from the east,” potentially involving “heavy missiles” capable of reaching anywhere in the country. “We will give far-reaching warnings,” he said.
The IDF confirmed it launched an aerial campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear program. Dozens of Iranian sites linked to nuclear development and military infrastructure were reportedly struck by the Israeli Air Force in an operation dubbed “Nation of Lions.”
According to the IDF, Iran currently possesses enough enriched uranium to build several nuclear bombs within days, prompting immediate action against what Israel described as an “imminent threat.”
The sirens sounded across Israel earlier were a preemptive warning from the IDF ahead of any potential Iranian retaliation.
Later that day, Defence Minister Katz addressed senior military officials, emphasizing that thwarting Iran’s nuclear ambitions has been a top priority since he assumed office.
“Iran is more determined than ever to realize its vision of destroying Israel. We are at a critical juncture; if we miss it, we will have no way to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons that threaten our existence,” Katz said.
He noted that while Israel had been targeting Iran’s proxies for over a year, it was now directly confronting “the head of the snake.”
Katz highlighted the IDF’s advanced intelligence and operational capabilities, stating, “Over the years, and especially in recent months, the IDF has built exceptional capabilities in intelligence and operations, both defensive and offensive.”
Reflecting this readiness, IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said Israel had launched a “precise, preemptive strike” in Iran aimed at crippling its nuclear development and responding to ongoing Iranian aggression.
“For years, the Iranian regime has called for the destruction of the State of Israel, planning and advancing concrete military plans to do so,” Defrin stated.
“Over the past few months, intelligence has shown that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon. This morning, the IDF began preemptive and precise strikes targeting the Iranian nuclear program to prevent the Iranian regime’s ability to build a nuclear bomb in the immediate timeframe,” he added.
He emphasized that the strikes were about preserving Israel’s future: “We have no choice. We are operating against an imminent and existential threat. This operation is for our right to exist here, for our future and for our children’s future.”
Defrin assured the public that the IDF is prepared to defend Israel both offensively and defensively: “The IDF conducted significant preparations for this operation. We are well prepared both in defence and offence to defend ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported loud explosions in Natanz, located in Iran’s central province of Isfahan, where a key nuclear facility is situated.
“Loud explosions were heard in Natanz,” state TV reported, referencing the site that hosts one of Iran’s main uranium enrichment facilities.
Natanz and Fordo are Iran’s two primary underground nuclear sites. Iran has also been building tunnels in the surrounding mountains following past suspected Israeli sabotage operations at the Natanz facility.
The complex outside the Shi’ite holy city of Qom includes the vast, underground Fuel Enrichment Plant (FEP) and the above-ground Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant (PFEP), both of which are central to Iran’s uranium enrichment activities.
(ANI)
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