Israeli defence minister orders escalation of strikes on Iranian government targets

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has directed the army to escalate strikes on strategic government targets within Iran, in a bid to undermine the stability of the Iranian government and bolster Israeli deterrence.

Following a high-level security assessment, Katz stated, “We must strike all symbols of government and mechanisms of population repression such as the Basij, and the regime's power base such as the Revolutionary Guards,” Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

His remarks signal a significant intensification in Israel’s military posture amid escalating regional tensions.

Katz further emphasized that the increased operations aim to “bring about the destabilization of the regime and increase deterrence against missile fire on the Israeli home front—alongside continued targeting of facilities and scientists to thwart Iran's nuclear program.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also vowed that Iran would “pay the price” for its missile attacks targeting central Israel early on June 19.

According to Israeli media, some 20-30 Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan, and Holon, as well as Soroka Hospital in the southern city of Beersheba.

Iranian media claimed the missiles targeted the headquarters of the Israeli army and intelligence service near Soroka Hospital and that the blast wave caused injuries at the hospital.

By Vafa Guliyeva